Insider ««« December/January 2016-2017 «««

Insider ««« December/January 2016-2017 «««

Rosenberg Development Corporation Celebrates Local Businesses... page 2

There’s a New Tower in Town The newest Elevated Storage Tank (EST) in Rosenberg is the 5th EST to serve the potable water service area of Rosenberg. EST No. 5 is located on FM 2977 just behind the new Fire Station. The tank can hold 1.5 million gallons of potable water and will provide increased water pressure and additional capacity for high-demand needs such as fire-fighting to the southeast portion of Laying the ground-work town. Once it is in service, it will also reduce demand on the existing ESTs that serve Rosenberg’s interconnected water system. Currently the City maintains approximately 200 miles of water mains within the City and this additional EST will support the water pressure for the entire system. Ground-breaking on this project was in June of 2015. Construction was a multi-step process, beginning with the foundation. Once that was set, the concrete pedestal rings were poured in place. Finally, the metal storage tank was Now we’re getting constructed on the ground and erected to somewhere the top of the pedestal base. In total, this construction process takes approximately 570 days to be put into service. In November of 2016, the contractor finished painting the Rosenberg logo on the tower which can be seen from US-59/I-69 and helps identify Rosenberg’s southern limits. “The final completion is anticipated for mid-January of 2017,” Interim City Manager John Maresh said. “This project represents a huge milestone for sustaining the rapid growth of Rosenberg’s population meeting the upcoming water source conversion from reliance on groundwater to treated surface water.” Taking shape and December/January 2016-2017 Looking Good! www.rosenbergtx.gov Our Government The City of Rosenberg operates in a Rosenberg Online Council-Manager form of government Rosenberg launched a new website on Monday, November 7, in which the City Council sets the 2016 at www.rosenbergtx.gov. The website can also be found policy and overall direction for the at www.cityofrosenberg.com City, and appoints a professional City “The City was in desperate need of a new website,” Manager and other key officials to Communications Manager Jenny Pavlovich said. “We have a oversee the City’s daily operations. ton of great information Online, but it is way too hard to find. The new Rosenberg site will make it much easier for visitors to City Council quickly get what they need.” Mayor: Cynthia A. McConathy The new look and feel of the website has built in redundancy, At Large 1: William T. Benton which means that users can find information in more than one spot, making it easier to track down precisely what they At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta are looking for. In addition, the site features a new responsive District 1: Jimmie J. Peña design that reconfigures the display to conform to any device District 2: Susan Euton RDC Celebrates Local Businesses such as a cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. District 3: Alice Jozwiak The new look and feel is the first step in what will be a large District 4: Lynn Moses n November 15, 2016, the Rosenberg Development overhaul project where staff will develop fresh content, OCorporation (RDC) said thank you to Rosenberg add more photos, and eventually tie in social media, Online Interim City Manager Businesses at its annual Business Appreciation newsletters, and emergency alert services. John Maresh Luncheon, held at the Rosenberg The site was designed and developed by Morningstar Media Civic Center. Guest Speaker Dr. Ted C. Jones Group from Sycamore, Illinois over the course of approximately Ted C. Jones, Vice President and 10 months. Meetings Chief Economist with Stewart Title Speaks at Luncheon “One of the things we noticed is that the old website was very Guaranty Company gave the crowd hard to navigate on your phone or tablet,” Darby Dwyer of City Council meets regularly in public Morningstar Media said. “We incorporated responsive design session the first, third, and fourth a regional economic overview, Dr. Ted C. Jones is the Chief Economist and discussing some of the ways that Vice President of Stewart Title Guaranty into the development of your site so users don’t lose valuable Tuesday of each month. Check the information, no matter what platform they are on.” website for times, agendas, etc. Council outside influences affect the business Company. He spoke on behalf of the RDC economy. In addition, five business 91% of U.S. Adults own cell phones, 56% of which are meetings may also be viewed live on at the Business Appreciation Luncheon on smartphones, and 50% of Americans own a tablet. Increasingly, Comcast 16 or at: milestones were recognized for their November 15th, highlighting the economic longevity within the City. CRG Texas people are accessing websites, data, and apps on their www.rosenbergtx.gov/TV. factors that lead to job growth or decline and Environmental Services and Legacy phones and tablets more than a traditional desktop or laptop Ford were recognized for 10 years of citing that Fort Bend County has, overall, been computer. The new website will make it easier to navigate the City Mission service in Rosenberg. Health Delite was on a positive trajectory with above-average City’s data on multiple devices by prioritizing information so recognized for 20 years, OCuSOFT for Ron Ewer of Legacy Ford accepts award job creation. Jones offered economic insight users can find what they are looking for. Statement and provided a bright outlook for the future of “I think the new website is a huge step in the right direction,” 30 years, and Mellon Real Estate for 45 from Mayor Cynthia A. McConathy for 10 To anticipate community needs and years. The RDC partnered with Central local businesses. Pavlovich said. “The City is working hard to communicate deliver exceptional service; and to Fort Bend Chamber on the event. years of service in Rosenberg. better.” cultivate an enhanced quality of life “This annual [luncheon] is an through leadership, innovation, and event hosted by the Rosenberg Development Corporation cooperative partnerships. with the purpose being to simply thank our local businesses “You are in for continuing to do business in Rosenberg and for the jobs NUMBERS TO KNOW they are creating and the investment they are making in the good shape Animal Control community,” said Randall Malik, Economic Development [Rosenberg]. 832.595.3490 Director.

Citizen Relations Approximately 120 guests attended the luncheon, You should be

832.595.3301 catered by Ol’ Railroad Cafe, that included Mayor Cynthia A. McConathy, elected officials, City staff, and Barry Henry of proud. “ Customer Service - Utilities Friends of North Rosenberg, who gave the invocation. Local 832.595.3400 businesses and honored recipients joined Malik for the award Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency ceremony as well as for the guest speaker. 832.595.3700 “We are grateful for all that these businesses bring to the Republic Services - Solid Waste community,” Malik said. “We look forward to continuing the 713.726.7300 annual tradition of holding a luncheon as our way of saying Dr. Ted C. Jones, Guest Speaker thank you to businesses that support the City of Rosenberg.” Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « November/December 2016 Shop Online Safe! Nothing is more convenient than shopping Online for all of your holiday needs. Who needs the lines? Shopping from the comfort of your PJs may sound like the thing for you, follow these virtual shopping tips and protect yourself this holiday season. • Use trusted websites Holiday Safety Tips from RPD • Don’t give anyone your social security number or birthdate You’re making a list and checking it twice vulnerable to the possibility of being • Keep your virus protection software this holiday season. You’ve got gifts to buy robbed. It is also a good idea not to carry up to date and meals to cook; its easy to lose focus on several large packages at once for the • Check your bank statements your surroundings. The Rosenberg Police same reason. • Create good passwords and don’t Department has a few tips to remind you When you’re paying for items at any share them to stay safe and have a carefree holiday store, keep your debit card close to you. • Use retail provided apps this season. People can easily use their phone to snap “Like in real life, you should stay aware “The biggest problem we see during the a picture of the card without you ever when shopping Online. Scams exist, even holidays is theft, especially items inside knowing and use the numbers to make on mobile devices,” IT Director, Isaac vehicles,” Lieutenant Chad Pino said. their own purchases. Don’t flash large Badu said. “If a deal seems too good to “Always lock your doors and keep your amounts of cash when paying for your be true, it just may be!” important or expensive items out of view. items and be sure to keep your purse or Don’t invite a break-in by leaving stuff out bag closed using the fastener or zipper. in the open.” “If you see anything suspicious, or if In addition to keeping your car secure, you feel uncomfortable in a situation, be sure to carefully observe your you should contact the police or store surroundings. Don’t talk or text on your security guard,” Pino said. “There’s safety phone while walking through a parking in numbers so consider shopping with a lot or shopping because it leaves you friend. Be safe this holiday!” UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and meeting agendas. 12/02/2016 Rosenberg 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. IT Director Christmas Nights Downtown Isaac Badu says... 12/03/2016 Rosenberg 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Christmas Nights Downtown CHECK US OUT ON 12/06/2016 Regular City Council 7:00 p.m. at Twitter: Meeting Rosenberg City Hall @RbergTXGov 12/20/2016 Regular City Council 7:00 p.m. at Meeting Rosenberg City Hall Instagram: @RbergTXGov 12/23/2016 Christmas Eve City offices closed Holiday Publication Comments are welcome 12/26/2016 Christmas Day 7:00 p.m. at Email: Holiday Rosenberg City Hall [email protected] Phone: 1/03/2017 Regular City Council 7:00 p.m. at 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications) Meeting Rosenberg City Hall

Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « December/January 2016-2017 Insider ««« January/February 2017 «««

Rosenberg Magazine to debut Spring 2017 story on page 3

2016’s Biggest Hits Rosenberg’s Year in Review The City of Rosenberg experienced both hours were added for coverage to allow challenges and successes in 2016. Historic citizens more access to available pets. flooding on Memorial Day weekend forced On top of the swell of pets found at the some citizens out animal shelter, of their homes and the City has made national news enjoyed continual the first few days population growth 2016 Development in June. The Brazos as well, prompting There were a total of 683 new housing River water level several economic starts from October 2015 to September rose to 54.74 feet development 2016. The busiest time of year for affecting 90 homes projects that development was between the months and four businesses. support and of July and September with a total of 175 properties were sustain our healthy 199 housing starts. The distribution of issued mandatory economy. In 2016, house starts between the City and the evacuations and 27 Rosenberg entered Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) were 409 (59.9%) in the City and 274 (40.1%) in rescues were made into a partnership the ETJ. The development with the most by boat. with Fort Bend housing starts was The Trails at Seabourne Police and fire Transit to expand Parke at 139, followed by Bonbrook worked tirelessly to Avenue B and 7th Street, in north Rosenberg saw some of the highest flood waters in June 2016 bus routes through Plantation at 119. The fewest housing assist victims, making Rosenberg, starts were in the newest subdivision, water rescues, and providing Stonecreek Estates, with 28. manning road closures. The Animal Control citizens affordable options for City-wide department took in and cared for nearly mobility. A new parking lot in downtown In terms of platting, Stonecreek Estates 70 cats, approximately 50 more than can accommodates larger crowds to enjoy our had the most growth at an additional 191 lots. The total number of house starts was be comfortably housed, and an extra 20 Main Street Program events, art park, and less than the previous fiscal year’s by 174. dogs. 453 animals were adopted this year local businesses. The Main Street Program and 11 Humane Education Classes given. and the Rosenberg City Council have also As of October 1, 2016, the City’s total Following the flood, the crowding at awarded several Facade Improvement population is conservatively estimated the shelter prompted an increase in the Grants and Physical Improvement to be 37,860, an increase of over 7,200 number of adoption events held by the Matching Grants that are helping to residents since the 2010 decennial Census shelter. In addition, evening and weekend (pop. 30,618). Continued on page 2...

January/February 2017 www.rosenbergtx.gov

JanFeb2017.indd 1 1/3/2017 5:19:32 PM Our Government ...A Year in Review The City of Rosenberg operates in a restore, rebuild, and revitalize the area. Council-Manager form of government The Economic Development Department has also worked to bring new businesses to in which the City Council sets the policy Rosenberg such as Orbit Industries, a 19.1 acre development in the Rosenberg Business and overall direction for the City, and Park, and Superior Tank Company’s latest expansion, which created 100 jobs. appoints a professional City Manager and New traffic signals at Spacek and Reading Road, as well as sidewalk construction on other key officials to oversee operations. Avenue N and Damon Street, are keeping the City safe for pedestrians. Speaking of keeping the City safe, the Rosenberg Police Department’s Criminal City Council Investigation Division solved almost 900 cases in the year 2016 and seized $4,547,617 worth of narcotics. Mayor: Cynthia A. McConathy K9 Rex, retired in December after three years of dedicated service. Rex was honored At Large 1: William T. Benton at a City Council meeting and now enjoys retirement with his partner, Officer Flores. In January, the police department At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta welcomed Chinese Cadets as part of an District 1: Jimmie J. Peña international exchange program through District 2: Susan Euton Sam Houston University. The community got involved serving as host families for the District 3: Alice Jozwiak students and also by attending National District 4: Lynn Moses Night Out event in November, with the goal of staying connected with local law Letter from enforcement and meeting neighbors. Interim City Manager Block parties throughout the City helped John Maresh strengthen neighborhood and police the editor partnerships. Meetings The School Resource Officer Division also Rosenberg helped to strengthen community bonds by Dan McJunkin City Council meets regularly in public Dear Rosenberg Citizens, session the first, third, and fourth covering five high schools, five junior high schools, four middle schools, 23 elementary K9 Fyba gives a demonstration with Officer Joshua Magazine Tuesday of each month. Check the schools, and five special-site campuses Manriguezat the Autumn Arts Festival For the many people that grew up in and website for times, agendas, etc. Council throughout LCISD. In the spring of 2017, Rosenberg around Rosenberg, this must seem like a meetings may also be viewed live on Community engagement continues to be a priority for the City of Rosenberg. In 2016, residents will get their first taste of challenging time as every day they witness Comcast 16 or at: the Parks and Recreation Department constructed and opened a new restroom facility a new print and online publication, another step toward our area’s long- www.CityofRosenberg.com/TV. at Macario Garcia Park and a new playground in Tony Becerra Park. The playground was a high-quality, tri-annual magazine predicted transformation. Without a doubt, sponsored by members of the community and volunteers were out helping to clean up focused on the residents, resources, and Rosenberg’s transition to an increasingly City Mission Statement after the floods. developments that make Rosenberg a suburban city with a markedly faster pace is being felt now more than ever. To anticipate community needs and Annual events and year-round programs mean that citizens always have something great place to live, work or play. For newer residents, learning about Rosenberg’s historic past and blending into deliver exceptional service; and to fun to do. Successful partnerships with the Boy Scouts and Texas Master Naturalists Rosenberg Magazine, which will its community-centric lifestyle might seem to be equally challenging. Regardless cultivate an enhanced quality of life ensure that Rosenberg parks are some of the best in the State. The Master Naturalists be published by Fulshear Magazine of when or how our readers got here, Rosenberg Magazine will celebrate just how through leadership, innovation, and provide dedicated volunteers to continually improve the habitat in Seabourne Creek publisher Daniel McJunkin, will special this community is by telling their stories in an engaging way issue-by-issue, cooperative partnerships. Nature Park and have been instrumental in the formation of a subcommittee that will achieve high standards for editorial one page at a time. build a Nature Center. In addition, engineering plans have begun on the Big-League field copy, photography, layout and design. As the publisher of the new Rosenberg Magazine, I’m honored to lead the in the Seabourne Creek Regional Sports Complex. McJunkin has put together a great team that is planning to present the many articles and essays about this historic Projects such as these, and other capital improvement work have been extensive team, with a mission to provide both community. With so much to write about, Rosenberg’s story is one that will require this year, including improvements to waterlines, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewers, a superior editorial experience many issues and our team is very excited about the prospects. We know that and pavement projects. Rosenberg installed miles of infrastructure improvements in for its readers and delivering publishing Rosenberg Magazine is an honor that carries with it an obligation to get 2016 including the construction of new potable water storage tanks, sanitary sewer lift tremendous value for its it right for the sake of all within the community. stations, and reconstructed sidewalks. advertisers. We are planning to publish the first issue of Rosenberg Magazine in the Spring of While most utility projects involve improvements below ground, two undertakings This magazine is not a City 2017. We have scheduled three issues per year. We encourage area businesses to that you can’t miss are the above-ground storage tank on A. Meyer Road and the join with us. For more about advertising in Rosenberg Magazine, please call 281- Gone at SeabourneFishin’! Creek Elevated Storage Tank on FM 2977. These tanks will hold three million and 1.5 million funded project; however is 238-5882. Fish-tastic gallons of water, and help support surface water service conversion mandates to eagerly anticipated for it’s Nature Park will be held on reducethe reliance on ground water. community engagement value. Please like us on Facebook at facebook.com/rosenbergmagazine. February 18 for kids 4-14 years Rosenberg officials are excited about the positive growth and improvements For more information about old. Registration is at 8:00 a.m. made in the year 2016. With a brand new website and award-winning Rosenberg Magazine, visit and fishing ends at 11:00 a.m. newsletter, the City is constantly working on new ways to keep citizens informed. www.rosenbergmag.com. There’s no cost to fish and there Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to find out what’s going on and how to make the most of Dan McJunkin will be TONS of prizes. living in Rosenberg. We can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store for our great City.

Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « January/February 2017

JanFeb2017.indd 2-3 1/3/2017 5:19:35 PM

Rosenberg Christmas Nights Rewind Thanks to everyone for coming out and making Rosenberg Christmas Nights 2016 an event to remember!

Rosenberg Wants You! Apply for a place on the May 6th, 2017 ballot Rosenberg Mayor and City Council At Large, The qualifications to file for Mayor or an At Positions 1 and 2 will be on the ballot for the Large position are: Saturday, May 6, 2017 election. Qualified resi- • Be a United States citizen dents that live in the City of Rosenberg can file • Be a resident of the State of Texas for the Councilwoman Amanda J. Barta and Mayor an application for a place on the ballot between previous twelve (12) months Cynthia A. McConathy make the “nice list” January 18, 2017, and February 17, 2017, with • Be a resident of the City of Rosenberg for the City Secretary. The form to file for office six (6) months will be on the City of Rosenberg’s website at: • Be 18 years of age or older on the first day CHECK IT OUT... www.rosenbergtx.gov. of the term of office Visit www.cityofrosenberg.com for a gallery of • You must not have been previously deter- pictures from recent events. Go to “Connect” Regular City Council Meetings are held the mined mentally incompetent by judgment on the homepage. first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 of a court of competent jurisdiction p.m. Workshop meetings are held monthly • You must not be convicted of a felony for NUMBERS TO KNOW on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 which a pardon has not been given p.m. This is a two-year term beginning in June • You must not be in arrears for any City Animal Control 2017. City Council members also participate in taxes or money owed to the City. 832.595.3490 various events and serve on City committees. Citizen Relations 832.595.3301 Fall Decorating Awards Customer Service - Utilities Landscaping: Oscar and Esperanza Guerrero Curtis Matheaus 832.595.3400 1923 J. Meyer Road 1100 7th Street Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency Bobby Anderson John and Donna McDonald 832.595.3700 2809 Parrott Avenue 4905 Cotter Lane Republic Services - Solid Waste Thank Diane Dybala John and Carol McKinney 713.726.7300 You 2702 Lee Circle 2207 Hackberry Bank Lane LET’S BE FRIENDS! Garvey and Addie Jones Trey Wiley 1402 Helmsley Drive 2203 Ripple Creek Drive Twitter: @RbergTXGov UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Visit www.cityofrosenberg.com to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and meeting agendas. Instagram: @RbergTXGov 1/3/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall 7:00 p.m.

Publication comments are welcome 1/17/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall email: 7:00 p.m. [email protected] Phone: 1/24/2017 City Council Workshop Rosenberg City Hall 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications) 6:00 p.m.

Rosenberg Insider « www.cityofrosenberg.com « January/February 2017

JanFeb2017.indd 4 1/3/2017 5:19:35 PM Insider ««« February/March 2017 «««

What’s Happening Downtown? story on pages 2-3

Right in Rosenberg’s Backyard Have you Checked out Seabourne Creek Park Lately? Rosenberg residents never have a reason to preserve, restore, and educate communities. with events such as Prairie Heritage Festival, be bored with Seabourne Creek Nature Park. They have been hard at work in Rosenberg’s guided nature tours, bird-walks, and scouting This 164 acre stretch of prairie and wetlands Seabourne Creek Park restoring the prairie and activities. A nature center is also in the works. is home to walking, jogging, and biking trails, wetlands with a 20 year vision for the future Finally, the TMN are taking care to celebrate a four acre stocked lake for fishing, a butterfly that expands the opportunity for people to the diverse birding opportunities. There garden, and much more. connect with nature in a meaningful way. are 127 different species of birds observed. Whether you’re looking to relax with a The first role of the vision is to provide a Volunteers have constructed a “bird sanctuary” fishing pole, or just get back in touch with sanctuary for relaxation and enjoyment. The and offer monthly bird hikes. The TMN put nature, Seabourne Creek Park has so much plan calls this the “core community benefit” in an extraordinary effort on behalf of both to offer, thanks in large part, to the volunteer and enhances the landscape with fishing, picnic Seabourne Creek Nature Park and those who efforts of the Texas Master Naturalists (TMN). spots, and trails. Benches and covered tables wish to enjoy it. Visit them online at www. The Texas Master Naturalists’ Coastal Prairie are added for relaxation, but the volunteers txmn.org/coastal and find out how you can get Chapter is a group of trained volunteers are careful not to disturb the primary natural involved or what activities there are for you who love nature and work hard to habitat, vegetation, or wildlife. Secondly, the and your family to enjoy. The TMN want to educate visitors

February/March 2017 www.rosenbergtx.gov Our Government Don’t Miss Don’t Miss the Fun This Februrary in Historic Downtown The City of Rosenberg operates in a Historic downtown Rosenberg is home to a burgeoning art scene, great shopping and dining, and activities Council-Manager form of government that make it the perfect place for a night on the town or an afternoon of exploring. Februrary is no exception. in which the City Council sets the policy Stop by and get in on the fun! and overall direction for the City, and appoints a professional City Manager and the BUZZ Every Weekend February 8th: Bingo Night at BR Vino other key officials to oversee operations. (through February 18th): Downtown February 10th: Karaoke at BR Vino CAST Theatrical Company’s Production City Council ‘A Bull in a China Shop’ by C.B. Gilford February 18th: 3rd Sat. Sidewalk Sale Mayor: Cynthia A. McConathy Call (832) 889-3808 for tickets February 25th: Auction Day At Large 1: William T. Benton Every Saturday: Check out the Railroad Musuem and art At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta Main Street Manager, Live Music at BR Vino galleries for even more fun things to do! District 1: Jimmie J. Peña Dan Kelleher says... District 2: Susan Euton District 3: Alice Jozwiak Model Men: Rosenberg’s New Neighbor District 4: Lynn Moses Rosenberg Fire Department turns up the Heat with 2017 Calendars TexPharma Brings up to 300 Jobs to Rosenberg The City of Rosenberg and Fort Bend County Commissioners approximately 300. TexPharma’s capital investment for the Interim City Manager The Rosenberg Fire Department has gone creative when it comes to Court has approved a tax abatement to bring TexPharma into 19.1-acre complex is projected at $21 million. John Maresh making extra cash for their everyday expenses. Along with advertisers, the the Rosenberg Business Park, a move that could bring up to The City approved a 60 percent tax abatement for seven fire firefighters, chiefs, and administrative staff have posed for a 2017 wall 300 new jobs to Rosenberg. years with Fort Bend County making a similar gesture. Meetings calendar allowing them to raise money for much needed “home away from The agreement between the City, Fort Bend County, “This will have a tremendous impact on our economy,” said City Council meets regularly in public home” expenses. TexPharma, and the Rosenberg Development Corporation is to Randall Malik, economic development director for the City of session the first, third, and fourth “Last year, the calendar raised $2,400 for us and we were able to buy bring 300 jobs to the City; however, TexPharma anticipates as Rosenberg. “These people will be working here, probably living Tuesday of each month. Check the some couches for the stations,” Fire Administrator Barbara Smolik said. many as 500. nearby and spending locally.” website for times, agendas, etc. Council “These are things we don’t budget for, but are needed for the guys who live The company is consolidating operations in multiple Rosenberg Business Park is a shovel-ready, 184-acre site near meetings may also be viewed live on here on a day-to-day basis.” locations to one facility in Rosenberg that will house the intersection of Interstate 69 and FM 2218. The business Comcast 16 or at: The 2017 calendars will make production and bottling of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical park, Rosenberg’s largest, is the culmination of a public-private www.rosenbergtx.gov at least that much again this vitamins, dietary supplements and other items. partnership between the City of Rosenberg and Fuller Realty year. Local businesses buy Space, highway access and a location removed from the Partners. The goal was to provide a readily available space near City Mission Statement ads and the fire staff hand- city center drew TexPharma to the new business park, said Al major thoroughfares that could be easily customized to fit the To anticipate community needs and delivers the end product. Pirani, manager of one of the facilities being consolidated. needs of industrial and manufacturing companies. deliver exceptional service; and to “This year we are Pirani said he expects Phase 1 construction to begin soon TexPharma is the third company to purchase land within cultivate an enhanced quality of life hoping to fulfill some of on a 210,000-square-foot building, with the center possibly the Rosenberg Business Park, but will be the first to start through leadership, innovation, and the more basic needs opening in 2017. TexPharma will start with 80 employees construction. It is also the largest tenant within the park so far, cooperative partnerships. at the fire stations,” in Rosenberg and hopes to see the number grow to Malik said. Smolik said. “Like new cookware and dishes.” Want a calendar? Call: 832-595-3600

Gone at SeabourneFishin’! Creek Fish-tastic Nature Park will be held on February 18 for kids 4-14 years old. Registration is at 8:00 a.m. and fishing ends at 11:00 a.m. There’s no cost to fish and there will be TONS of prizes.

Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « February/March 2017

Rosenberg’s Everyday Heroes Committed to keeping things in working order, Rosenberg’s street crew is out there taking care of City Infrastructure.

2017 State of the City Address to Stream Live Mayor Cynthia A. McConathy will deliver said. “It also accommodates the the 2017 State of the City address to ticket participation of anyone who wishes to hear holders at the Rosenberg Civic Center on information about the City of Rosenberg February 23rd, 2017. and helps them to become informed about

The much anticipated planned changes by the Maintenance and Operations Technicians, event, already nearly sold City that will impact their

Ruben Guitterez; Alex Cano; Leroy Lopez out, will take an in-depth lives.” look at the health of ...Live Streaming creates a In addition to streaming CHECK IT OUT... the City with a focus on level of transparency regard- “ the event, it will also be forward-thinking goals ing the affairs of the City... recorded and aired on Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov/visitors/gallery to “ and a report from each the municipal channel view photos from our most recent events and department in charge of ~Mayor and online in the weeks share/tag yourself on social media. helping to achieve those Cynthia A. McConathy following the address. goals. The municipal channel NUMBERS TO KNOW Ticket prices range from is a service of Comcast, $30-$2,000 for a table Channel 16, and airs Animal Control at this luncheon-style address; however, everyday with scheduled programming from 832.595.3490 for the second year in a row, the City will the City. The City website will also show Citizen Relations concurrently stream the event live at City Hall the event at www.rosenbertx.gov. Visit 832.595.3301 in the Council Chamber free of charge. the Central Fort Bend Chamber for more Customer Service - Utilities “It is important to stream the event live information regarding the State of the City 832.595.3400 because it creates a level of transparency event and ticket information online at regarding the affairs of the city,” McConathy www.cfbca.org. Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency 832.595.3700 Republic Services - Solid Waste UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS 713.726.7300 Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and meeting agendas. LET’S BE FRIENDS!

Twitter: 2/7/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall 7:00 p.m. @RbergTXGov 2/18/2017 Fish-Tastic Seabourne Creek Nature Park Instagram: 8:00 a.m. @RbergTXGov 2/21/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall 7:00 p.m.

Publication comments are welcome 2/23/2017 State of the City Rosenberg Civic Center email: 11:30 a.m. [email protected] Phone: 2/28/2017 City Council Workshop Rosenberg City Hall 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications) 6:00 p.m.

Rosenberg Insider « www.cityofrosenberg.com « February/March 2017 Insider ««« March/April 2017 «««

Cover Photos by Jasmine Bowens

EGG-cellent Time For an Easter Egg Hunt On your mark, get set, GO! The annual Rosenberg Easter Egg Hunt at Seabourne Creek Nature Park will take place on Saturday April 8, 2017 starting at 3:00 p.m. The BYOB (Bring your Own Basket) event is free for children up to 12 years of age and kicks off with the arrival of the Easter Bunny, who has hidden hundreds of eggs at the park. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras and take advantage of the opportunity to get photos with the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt will be divided into three groups by age category. Children ages four and under, ages 5-8, and 9-12 will search for the colored eggs in their own respective areas. Eggs are filled with candy and trinkets, and some may even find a coupon donated by Another Time Soda Fountain and Cafe for ice cream giveaways. Many of the eggs were donated last year, adding a rainbow of color to the green grass of Seabourne Creek Park. “There’s more eggs than I could even imagine,” Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Carrie Kmiec said. “I would say, there are thousands!” In addition to the egg hunt, there will be a raffle with prizes and chalk drawing station. Don’t miss an EGG-cellent time out at Seabourne Creek. Eggs Go Fast Don’t be Late! Saturday, April 8th 3:00 p.m. Age Groups:

4 and Under 5 - 8 years 12 and up

March/April 2017 www.rosenbergtx.gov Our Government The City of Rosenberg operates in a Texana Council-Manager form of government Changing Lives Presenting RDC Online! in which the City Council sets the policy and overall direction for the City, and Rosenberg Development Corporation Launches Website appoints a professional City Manager and other key officials to oversee operations. On February 9th, 2017, the Rosenberg Development Corporation business environment based on the needs and demands of the (RDC) launched a revamped, mobile-friendly Website: particular industries and entities involved and those they serve. City Council www.rosenbergecodev.com. The department oversees the Rosenberg Main Street Program The site highlights the RDC’s role in the City’s economic and provides staff support to the RDC. Mayor: Cynthia A. McConathy development. It’s a one-stop resource for those seeking The RDC was created by election in 1995. It is a Type-B At Large 1: William T. Benton information about Rosenberg’s demographics, workforce, business economic development corporation funded by a one-half cent climate, tourism, small business resources, and available sites sales tax. State law authorizes the RDC to engage in projects At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta within the city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction. related to primary job creation. Primary jobs are jobs that infuse th District 1: Jimmie J. Peña On February 8 , 2017, Mayor Cynthia The focus of the Economic Development Department is to new dollars into the local economy by creating or selling a product A. McConathy and Rosenberg Economic assist businesses and industry in locating and expanding to or service that is ultimately exported to regional, state, national, District 2: Susan Euton Development Department staff visited Texana Rosenberg. The department collaborates with local businesses, or international markets. The RDC is comprised of a seven-director District 3: Alice Jozwiak Center’s main campus at 4910 Airport Avenue as government officials, business-based non-profit agencies, and board. Four of the members, including all officers, are appointed part of the Rosenberg Development Corporation’s educational institutions to create and maintain an effective by City Council, and the remaining members are City Councilors. District 4: Lynn Moses Business Retention & Expansion Program. Texana employs Texana Center, which has campuses in six City Manager over 800 people in counties and employs more than 800 people, six counties. provides professional services for people suffering rosenbergecodev.com John Maresh from mental illnesses and adults with intellectual and development disabilities. It also provides Meetings intake and service coordination for adults and City Council meets regularly in public children with IDD, as well as special treatment session the first, third, and fourth and training for children and adults with autism and other disabilities. Tuesday of each month. Check the Calling All website for times, agendas, etc. Council meetings may also be viewed live on Comcast 16 or at: Historic Downtown Rosenberg is being www.rosenbergtx.gov invaded! On April 1st, a band of Treasure marauding buccaneers will descend upon CHECK IT OUT... downtown to introduce a Treasure Hunt Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov/visitors/gallery promotional event kicking off the Second to view photos from our most recent Annual Spring Arts Festival. These seafaring events and share/tag yourself on social cut-throats, the “Brazos River-Pirates” and media. Hunters contestants, will be looking for the Grand Prize—a half carat diamond ring donated City Mission by Dostal’s Jewelry Store and estimated to be worth over $1,500.00. To enter the Statement To anticipate community contest, obtain a “Pirate Passport” needs and deliver and a treasure map from the exceptional service; and Pirate’s Tent on Avenue G to cultivate an enhanced quality of life through (on April 1 leadership, innovation, and announcedst). and Winners prizes are cooperative partnerships. distributed by the end of the day. Don’t miss this new event, or ye may have to walk the plank!

Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « March/April 2017

Water Plant No. 8 The Future of Your Drinking Water Supply Rosenberg’s Utilities Department remains on track with projects that will provide treated surface water to the City’s drinking water suppy and reduce the reliance on groundwater pumped from wells, causing land subsidence.

From the Desk of John Maresh

Dear Rosenberg Citizens, Water plant number 8, now under construction on A. Myers Road. On Tuesday, February 7, 2017, I formally accepted the position as the City Manager for Rosenberg. NUMBERS TO KNOW I am tremendously excited for the Animal Control opportunity to be a part of the budding 832.595.3490 growth and prosperity of this community. Citizen Relations I look forward to tackling the challenges 832.595.3301 and celebrating the successes involved with Customer Service - Utilities building and sustaining a municipality primed for rapid expansion. 832.595.3400 Before Rosenberg, I was the City Manager for Sealy, Texas for 7 years. Since then, Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency it has been my pleasure to serve the City of Rosenberg for the last 9 years as the 832.595.3700 Director of Utilities, the Assistant City Manager, and the Interim City Manager. During this time, myself and City staff have strived to build a City infrastructure Republic Services - Solid Waste 713.726.7300 and develop services that will sustain the anticipated growth in population. Some of these projects include building the new elevated storage tank to keep up with

LET’S BE FRIENDS! water conversion mandates, pipe-bursting projects to replace aging underground infrastructure, and road improvements to handle increased mobility. Twitter: As the City Manager, I will continue to work hard at keeping the City on pace for positive growth. I look forward to being with you as we open the Seabourne @RbergTXGov Creek Nature Center, break ground on new businesses and job opportunities, and enjoy many community partnerships along the way.Image Awards Instagram: Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, Landscaping @RbergTXGov Marvin and Vilma Menijvar 2007 Spruce Drive Sharon Payne Publication comments are welcome 5509 Walid Land John Maresh Thank email: You [email protected] Renovation Phone: Troy and JoAnn Burditt 1411 Carlisle St. 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications)

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Election Issue: Voting locations/ballot information Pages 2-3

Rosenberg’s Cultural Core Downtown is local Cultural Arts District

I’m thrilled that the arts Did you know that downtown Rosenberg is a Texas state designated Cultural Arts

“are supported in such an District? Home to the Art League of Fort Bend, CAST Theatrical Company, the Rosenberg Railroad Museum, the Rosenberg Symphonic Band, and the Rosenberg Arts Alliance, overwhelmingly positive way “ Rosenberg has no shortage of culturally-charged things to do. Throughout the year in Rosenberg these groups maintain a busy schedule of art shows, art-related physical downtown improvements, live music, and theatrical performances. Rosenberg is recognized as a thriving regional center of the arts. Visitors can find such art-branded activities as the private development of the 3rd Street Art Park, the installation of murals, art festivals, -Kimberley Gottfried Cleland and the staging of performances by our community theater and community symphonic Abstract Artist band, and both regular and seasonal art shows, art exhibits, and art receptions. Our downtown district also boasts two restaurants that offer live music performances on a regular basis, attracting shoppers, diners, and those looking for the ambiance that only local nightlife can provide. “I’m thrilled that the arts are supported in such an overwhelmingly positive way in Rosenberg,” abstract artist, Kimberley Gottfried Cleland said. “It is fantastic to be involved with a community that has taken the arts to heart!”

April/May 2017 www.rosenbergtx.gov Our Government th The City of Rosenberg operates in a Election May 6 Polling Locations Council-Manager form of government May 6, 2017 Did you know that you can vote anywhere in Fort Bend County? The locations below are in which the City Council sets the policy open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on May 6, 2017. and overall direction for the City, and COUNTY-WIDE POLLING PLACE ADDRESS appoints a professional City Manager and Austin Parkway Elementary School 4400 Austin Pkwy, Sugar Land 77479 other key officials to oversee operations. Beasley City Hall 319 S. 3rd St, Beasley 77417 Briarchase Missionary Baptist Church 16000 Blue Ridge Rd, Missouri City 77489 City Council Brisco Junior High School 4300 FM 723, Richmond 77406 Burton Elementary School 1625 Hunter Green Dr, Fresno 77545 Mayor: Cynthia A. McConathy Chasewood Clubhouse 7622 Chasewood Dr, Missouri City 77489 At Large 1: William T. Benton Clements High School 4200 Elkins Dr, Sugar Land 77479 Commonwealth Clubhouse 4330 Knightsbridge Blvd, Sugar Land 77479 At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta Crockett Middle School 19001 Beechnut St, Richmond 77469 District 1: Jimmie J. Peña DeSeo at Grand Mission 19002 Mission Park Dr, Richmond 77407 Elkins High School 7007 Knights Court, Missouri City 77459 District 2: Susan Euton What’s on the Ballot? FBC Library - Sienna Branch 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd, Missouri City 77459 District 3: Alice Jozwiak Proposition 1: FBC Library - Sugar Land Branch 550 Eldridge, Sugar Land 77478 Proposition 1 is a measure to change the terms of the Mayor and City Council Members from the current two-year term to a three- FBC Library - University Branch 14010 University Blvd, Sugar Land 77479 District 4: Lynn Moses year term. After the Mayor and City Council Members serve three (3) consecutive terms they may not run for a period of two years FBC Road and Bridge (Needville) 3743 School St, Needville 77461 and eleven months from the date of the expiration of the third consecutive term. FBC Rosenberg Annex Building 4520 Reading Rd, Rosenberg 77471 City Manager Proposition 2: First Colony Conference Center 3232 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land 77479 Fort Bend County Fairgrounds Club Room 4310 Highway 36S, Rosenberg 77471 John Maresh Proposition 2 is a measure to change the City of Rosenberg residency requirement from 6 months to 12 months for any candidate for Mayor or City Council Member. Four Corners Community Center 15700 Old Richmond Rd, Sugar Land 77478 Gallery Furniture 7227 W. Grand Pkwy S, Richmond 77407 Meetings Proposition 3: Garcia Middle School 18550 Old Richmond Rd, Sugar Land 77478 City Council meets regularly in public Proposition 3 is a measure to change the minimum age limit from 18 years of age to 21 years of age or older, on the first day of George Bush High School 6707 FM 1464, Richmond 77469 session the first, third, and fourth office, for a candidate for Mayor and City Council Member. Hightower High School 3333 Hurricane Lane, Missouri City 77459 Tuesday of each month. Check the Hunters Glen Elementary School 695 Independence Blvd, Missouri City 77489 Proposition 4: Imperial Park Recreation Center 234 Matlage Way, Sugar Land 77478 website for times, agendas, etc. Council Proposition 4 is a measure to increase the Mayor’s compensation to $900.00 per month and the City Council Member’s meetings may also be viewed live on Irene Stern Community Center 6920 Katy-Fulshear Road, Fulshear 77441 compensation to $700.00 per month. James Bowie Middle School 700 Plantation Dr, Richmond 77406 Comcast 16 or at: Joy Lutheran Church 717 FM 359, Richmond 77406 www.rosenbergtx.gov Proposition 5: Kempner High School 14777 Voss Rd, Sugar Land 77498 Proposition 5 is a title change, changing outdated language of “qualified public accountant” to “Certified Public Accountant”. Lake Olympia Marina Clubhouse 180 Island Blvd, Missouri City 77459 CHECK IT OUT... Proposition 6: Lantern Lane Elementary School 3323 Mission Valley Dr, Missouri City 77459 Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov/visitors/gallery Lexington Creek Elementary School 2335 Dulles Ave, Missouri City 77459 to view photos from our most recent Proposition 6 is a measure to amend the dates for the City Manager’s required submission of the annual budget from the current Lost Creek Community Center 3703 Lost Creek Blvd, Sugar Land 77478 events and share/tag yourself on social period of sixty to ninety days to a period of forty-five to ninety days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year. The revised time Meadows Place City Hall One Troyan Dr, Meadows Place 77477 media. period for submission would allow for the City to obtain the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District certified property tax roll prior to Mission Bend Elementary School 16200 Beechnut St, Houston 77083 submission of the budget. Missouri City Baptist Church 16816 Quail Park Dr, Missouri City 77459 City Mission Proposition 7: Missouri City Old Municipal Court 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City 77489 Statement Proposition 7 includes a petition verification process performed by the City Secretary to comply with the Texas Election Code and Missouri City Parks & Recreation 2701 Cypress Point Dr, Missouri City 77459 the City Charter and to establish the time period for petitions to be verified and submitted to City Council. Museum of Natural Science 13016 University Blvd, Sugar Land 77479 To anticipate community needs and Mustang Community Center 4525 FM 521, Fresno 77545 deliver exceptional service; and to Special Election: Avenue B to River Road Extension Pinnacle Senior Center 5525#C Hobby Road, Houston 77053 Quail Valley Elementary School 3500 Quail Village Dr, Missouri City 77459 cultivate an enhanced quality of life A vote “Against the Resolution” would allow the City Council to move forward with the project to extend Avenue B to River Road. Quail Valley Fund Office 3603 Glenn Lakes Ln, Missouri City 77459 through leadership, innovation, and A vote “For the resolution” would deny any and all funding for the project. Randall's New Territory 5800 New Territory Dr, Sugar Land 77479 cooperative partnerships. Richmond Water Maintenance Facility 110 N. 8th St, Richmond 77469 In December, the City was presented with a petition opposing the extension of Avenue B to River Road and denying any and all Ridge Point High School 500 Waters Lake Blvd, Missouri City 77459 funding for the project. The City Council referred the initiative to the voters. This project would provide a second access point to the Ridgegate Community Association 5855 W. Ridgecreek Dr, Houston 77053 Image Awards residents that live in the area, and to the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. Landscaping Ridgemont Early Childhood Center 5353 Ridge Creek Circle, Houston 77053 Thank Rosenberg City Hall 2110 4th St, Rosenberg 77471 Golden Corral You Seven Lakes High School 9251 S. Fry Rd, Katy 77494 27940 Southwest Fwy Running for Mayor: Councilor At-Large; Councilor At-Large; Sugar Lakes Clubhouse 930 Sugar Lakes Dr, Sugar Land 77478 Daniel and Esmeralda Gonzalez William “Bill” Benton Position No. 1 Position No. 2 Sugar Land Church of God 1715 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land 77478 915 Wild Cotton Rd Edmund D. Samora Jacob Balderas Amanda J. Barta Sugar Land City Hall 2700 Town Center Blvd North, Sugar Land 77479 Oscar and Noemi Martinez Cynthia McConathy Rudy Cuellar Stafford City Hall 2610 Main St, Stafford 77477 5320 Troutline Ln Townewest Towne Hall 10322 Old Towne Ln, Sugar Land 77478 Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « April/May 2017

Coffee With a Cop Getting to Know our Neighbors

Renee Butler hosted “Coffee with a Cop” at Another Time Soda Fountain and Cafe on February 16, 2017. Rosenberg Police came for some one-on-one time with members of the community. Have a question for a police officer? Call Lt. Pino at: 832-595-3720.

Officer Jaz Roberts gets to know the citizens at “Coffee with a Cop” hosted by Renee Butler Walsh Road Industrial Park Earlier this month, ground was broken on The Rosenberg Development Corporation the Walsh Road Industrial Park on Walsh Road (RDC) was created by election in 1995. It is a NUMBERS TO KNOW between FM 529 and I-69. Type-B economic development corporation Animal Control The 25-acre, deed restricted industrial park funded by a one-half cent sales tax. State 832.595.3490 is a public-private partnership between ICO law authorizes the RDC to engage in projects Commercial and the Rosenberg Development related to primary job creation. Primary jobs Citizen Relations Corporation, which partially paid to extend City are jobs that infuse new dollars into the local 832.595.3301 water and sewer services to the site. economy by creating or selling a product or Customer Service - Utilities The groundbreaking was for the first service that is ultimately exported to regional, 832.595.3400 specification building, which will consist of state, national or international markets. The two facing 10,536 square-foot buildings with RDC is comprised of a seven-director board. Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency optional dock wells and a 120-foot track apron. Four of the members, including all officers, 832.595.3700 Expected completion is summer 2017. are appointed by the Rosenberg City Council, and the remaining three members are City Republic Services - Solid Waste For information about the project, call Larry Indermuehle or Lang Motes at 281-240-9090. Councilors. 713.726.7300

LET’S BE FRIENDS! UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Twitter: Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and meeting agendas. @RbergTXGov 4/4/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall 7:00 p.m. Instagram: @RbergTXGov 4/8/2017 Easter Egg Hunt Seabourne Creek Nature Park 8:00 a.m.

Publication comments are welcome 4/18/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall email: 7:00 p.m. [email protected] Phone: 4/25/2017 City Council Workshop Rosenberg City Hall 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications) 6:00 p.m.

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Have you been to the Rosenberg Civic Center? Page 3

Community-Oriented Policing COPS Grant Program to Change Policing

The COPS program is about Community policing is a philosophy that promotes a partnership between the police

“getting to know and trust and the community, and Rosenberg has embraced that with the formation of the COPS program. Supervised by Lieutenant Chad Pino and coordinated by Officer Michael local law enforcement. We “ Bradley, COPS, or Community-Oriented Policing, creates stronger ties to the community. want you to come to us... The goal of the program is to work together to identify, prioritize, and solve problems with crime, fear of crime, and overall neighborhood decay. The Rosenberg Police hope to improve the quality of life in the community and to help with crime prevention. The grant program will assign an officer to each City district. This gives the assigned -Officer Michael Bradley officer the opportunity to really get to know the community as a neighbor and friend, as Crime Prevention Division well as a police officer. “The COPS program is about getting to know and trust local law enforcement,” Community Relations Unit Officer Michael Bradley said. “We want you to come to us with questions and concerns to help prevent crime as much as possible.” The officers chose which district they wanted to work with. For Officer Jazz Roberts, that was District 1. In District 2 is Officer Justin Rodgers. Officer Brandon Armstrong is with District 3, and Officer Katrina Bubb in District 4.

May/June 2017 www.rosenbergtx.gov Our Government The City of Rosenberg operates in a Council-Manager form of government in which the City Council sets the policy and overall direction for the City, and appoints a professional City Manager and other key officials to oversee operations. City Council Mayor: Cynthia A. McConathy At Large 1: William T. Benton At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta District 1: Jimmie J. Peña District 2: Susan Euton Rosenberg District 3: Alice Jozwiak District 4: Lynn Moses Civic

City Manager Center John Maresh Street Sweep Fever Meetings Year-round in Rosenberg, street sweepers are out keeping many curb and City Council meets regularly in public gutterOpen roads enrollment with mature is underwaytrees clean for and Texas safe. State Depending Technical on the weather, session the first, third, and fourth sweepersCollege’s try to newdo their Fort routes Bend Campus on Mondays. in Rosenberg, Street sweeping and TSTC prolongs the life The Center of Fun! Tuesday of each month. Check the announced the Texan Success Scholarship Program for of City streets and drainage infrastructure by removing dirt, sand, and other The Rosenberg Civic Center is a 16,000 square foot website for times, agendas, etc. Council new students enrolling for the fall of 2016. This unique The Rosenberg Civic meetings may also be viewed live on contaminants from the roadway and keeping them out of the storm drainage space for corporate and social functions. The space is program is to provide cost of attendance assistance to Center is your place Comcast 16 or at: system. available for rent and includes a 5,900 square foot main qualified students during their first two consecutive- se with space! Located www.rosenbergtx.gov/TV Sweepers cannot sweep around vehicles parked on the roads, so it is a good hall (which can be split into two smaller rooms with a wall mesters of enrollment at TSTC. The total award will be up on the far side of idea to check your street’s schedule and make sure your car has been moved. partition), three breakout rooms, a state-of-the-art multi- to $1,000 per full-time student. There will be 500 scholar- beautiful Seabourne CHECK IT OUT... Other ways to help keep the program running smoothly include bagging your media room, a boardroom, and a catering kitchen. With ships awarded. Creek Nature Park. Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov/visitors/gallery leaves and not blowing or sweeping them into the streets, which is a violation beautiful Seabourne Creek Nature Park in its backyard, to view photos from our most recent the Rosenberg Civic Center is a great place for public and events and share/tag yourself on social of City ordinance. Find out when to expect the street sweepers to come through media. your neighborhood at: www.rosenbergtx.gov/street-sweeping. private events. In addition to providing a rental space for events, the Mission Statement Civic Center is also home to local recreational programs such as dance classes with its studio barre. To anticipate community needs and The Civic Center is located at 3825 Highway 36 South in deliver exceptional service; and to Rosenberg. Visitors are welcome to come by and check cultivate an enhanced quality of life through leadership, innovation, and out the facility. The hours are Monday through Thursday cooperative partnerships. from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. COME WORK WITH US Additional information about the Rosenberg Civic Center is available Online at the City’s website: www.rosenbergtx.gov/civic-center. Here, you can see Thank Gutter brooms sweep Pick-up brooms load Spraying water holds photos from past events, patron comments, building You debris to the middle. debris into the hopper. down the dust. layouts, rental policies, and other frequently asked questions. To inquire about renting the Civic Center for your next event, big or small, contact Civic Center Manager, Carolyn Kagy at 832-595-3520.

Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « May/June 2017 Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « May/June 2017

An EGG-CELENT Time! Check out 2017 Egg Hunt photos Online

The Easter Bunny had a great time out at Seabourne Creek Park in Rosenberg. Hundreds of colorful eggs and egg hunters filled the park on Saturday, April 8th, 2017. Click the 2017 Online photo gallery at: www.rosenbergtx.gov/easter-egg-hunt

RDC Rolls Out 3-Year Strategy On Saturday, February 11, 2017, the Board and Staff of the Rosenberg Development Corporation (RDC) met to design a new 3-year strategic plan. The group determined what In addition to an impressive egg and candy haul, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were faced by the RDC in order to use their there were raffle prizes, dancing, and spring fun! best resources to overcome challenges. The result of the meeting was to set four specific goals to be implemented and evaluated NUMBERS TO KNOW within an appropriate timeline. The goals are to facilitate business development, to continue business retention and expansion efforts, to continue community development efforts, and Animal Control to promote Rosenberg as the Transportation Hub of the Gulf Coast. 832.595.3490 The goals align with the mission and vision of the RDC which is to promote, develop, Citizen Relations and enhance community and economic development in Rosenberg by providing resources 832.595.3301 to stimulate the economy and expand the tax base. The RDC’s vision is to be the premier Customer Service - Utilities economic development organization in Texas by providing innovative opportunities for 832.595.3400 industrial, commercial, and retail development. “Rosenberg is fortunate to have great partners that continue to enhance our economic Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency vitality,” Economic Development Director Randall Malik said. “We plan to work closely with 832.595.3700 organizations such as Texas State Technical College, Union Pacific Railroad, and planning Republic Services - Solid Waste groups for park improvements, to name a few.” 713.726.7300 For questions regarding the RDC or related projects, call 832-595-3338.

LET’S BE FRIENDS! UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

Twitter: Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and meeting agendas. @RbergTXGov 5/2/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall 7:00 p.m. Instagram: 5/6/2017 Election Day www.rosenbergtx.gov/election-2017 @RbergTXGov for more info 5/16/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall 7:00 p.m. Publication comments are welcome email: 5/23/2017 City Council Workshop Rosenberg City Hall [email protected] 6:00 p.m. Phone: Election Day and Early Voting information is online at: 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications) www.rosenbergtx.gov/election-2017

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Water Conservation is on everyone’s mind. Find tips on Page 3

Are You Prepared For Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season whirled into town on June 1 and will last until November 30, 2017. This is the time of year that storms have the potential to produce What About That Weather? devastating winds and rains that can quickly reach flood levels. What are you doing to prepare yourself, your family, and your home? When the weather turns ugly, there’s a lot of information Start now by developing an evacuation plan and a place to reconnect with that’s thrown around. Make sure the news works for you family members. The TxDOT website will help coastal residents determine the best and learn the terms you may hear during a weather event. evacuation route. Planning ahead is the best defense against unexpected disaster and a visit to www.txdot.gov can help. Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum More weather ready tips and information are online at the National Weather sustained winds of 38 miles per hour or less. Service website: https://www.weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness.You can also follow the National Weather Service on Facebook and Twitter. Look for @NWS Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustai- or search National Weather Service for ned winds of 73 miles per hour or less. updates as they happen. Hurricane: An intense tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher.

Tropical Cyclone: An organized weather system with a closed circulation that forms over warm, tropical waters. These systems rotate counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch: Hurricane or Tropical Storm conditions are possible in the watch area within 48 hours.

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning: Hurricane or Tropical Storm conditions are expected in the warning area within 36 hours.

Visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.shtml for more information

June/July 2017 www.rosenbergtx.gov Our Government The City of Rosenberg operates in a Council-Manager form of government in which the City Council sets the policy and overall direction for the City, and appoints a professional City Manager and other key officials to oversee operations. Mission Statement To anticipate community needs and The Results are in! deliver exceptional service; and to cultivate an enhanced quality of life It is an honor to be elected Mayor of Rosenberg. I take on the through leadership, innovation, and duty with great seriousness. I stand by my campaign goals which are for the City to strive to provide you the highest standard in cooperative partnerships. municipal services, clean our town, provide tax relief, and better How Does Your Garden Grow? representative government. I look forward to assisting our citizens in any way. Feel free to call me . My home # is 281-342-3839 my cell # And Where Does Your Water Go? City Council is 281-633-1252. I also invite each and every one of you to attend our Water Wisely! City Council meetings. Mayor: William T. Benton Mayor William T. Benton Longer days, school vacations, and lots of sun; summer may be your favorite Effective June 6, 2017 time of year, but it can wreak havoc on your lawn. If you find yourself feeling torn Water in early At Large 1: Jacob Balderas between vibrant, green grass and finding ways to conserve water, here’s some tips mornings and late I feel honored and humbled to have been elected by the citizens of to make the best of both worlds. evenings and avoid Effective June 6, 2017 Rosenberg to serve them as Councilor At-Large. I promise to always From the Ground Up: If you’re just getting started, be sure to get off on the At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta fight for the citizens and their interests. Principle over politics is what getting plant leaves I stand for. I look forward to the privilege of assisting our citizens in right foot by choosing the best type of grass for the climate. Things to consider wet. Wet leaves can District 1: Jimmie J. Peña are shade and drought tolerance, water requirements, and how much you are every way possible. cause disease. Councilor at Large, Position 1 Jacob Balderas willing to mow. There are plenty of resources available to help you make the right District 2: Susan Euton decision from the start. You can visit local nurseries or go Online to the Texas District 3: Alice Jozwiak AgriLife Extension Service at www.agrilifeextension.tamu.edu. Thank you for all of your ongoing support! Although I was Next, consider the soil and mulch. According to the Texas Water Development Squash, cucumbers, District 4: Lynn Moses unopposed, I would like to extend my gratitude for your Board, “a soil test is the number one key to establishing and maintaining all and melons are great encouragement and involvement in our community. I am looking landscape plant materials.” You can find a test kit at many local nurseries as well forward to meeting more of you as I hold my Community Partners indicators of when City Manager Meetings in your neighborhood. It is my goal to continue providing as different types of mulch which enrich soil and are vital to growth in the harsh you need to water. Texas climate. John Maresh good services for our citizens, with continuous street and sidewalk Their large leaves will repairs, upgrading drainage and sewer and having sufficient police When to Water: Watering schedules can be tricky. The amount of water your and fire personnel to serve our growing city, while maintaining a good lawn needs will depend on the soil type, the amount of rain, and even local start to droop. Meetings tax base and working within a budget. Please feel free to contact me watering requirements. The Texas Water Board recommends wetting the soil four City Council meets regularly in public via email, [email protected] or phone (281-232-7768) to six inches deep in order to reach the root system of the grass. The best time to with any questions and/or concerns you may have regarding our city. session the first, third, and fourth water is late in the evening or early in the morning. Use organic mulch to Councilor at Large, Position 2 Amanda Barta Tuesday of each month. Check the Sprinkler Systems: There are many different options available for underground help retain moisture website for times, agendas, etc. watering systems. Talking to an expert will help determine what is best for your lawn, garden, and landscaping. Things to consider when installing a sprinkler and to reduce water Council meetings may also be viewed The Water we Conserve system include: grouping plants together according to watering needs, watering evaporation in hot live on Comcast 16 or at: trees, shrubs, and landscape plants separately from turf grass, and depth of water weather. 2-3 inches of www.rosenbergtx.gov/TV Today, Serves us Tomorrow! saturation (especially for well-established root systems.) Find out more Online to mulch will do it! Check inside your water bill for the 2016 Water Quality get water-wise: www.agrilifeextension.tamu.edu. Report for the City of Rosenberg and go Online to learn There’s Got to be a Better Way! more about protecting our water. Looking for an easier way to pay your www.wateriq.org utility bill? You have options! Visit www.epa.gov/watersense for more information • Pay Online • Sign up for Automatic Withdrawal • Pay by Mail Find out more at rosenbergtx.gov

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Way to go ! Hudson Products Expands Hudson Products, a leading global heat transfer solutions company, is headquartered Rodney Allen just outside of Rosenberg and employs around 366 people. When the company decided to consolidate operations, they were considering a move to Monterrey, Mexico, but the Fort Bend County Commissioners’ Court and State of Texas approved several incentives to keep Water-Wise them here in Fort Bend County. This expansion is expected to bring 150 jobs to Fort Bend County, where they are already and Certified one of the top employers. The City agreed to a 10-year non-annexation clause. Rodney Allen of the Rosenberg “Coupled with the action earlier this year by the commissioners’ court and City of Utilities Department received Rosenberg to bring TexPharma into the Rosenberg Business Park, we now have up to 650 new jobs coming to Fort Bend County,” Jeff Wiley, president and chief executive officer of the his Class C Groundwater License Fort Bend Economic Development Council said. “Fort Bend’s favorable work environment is from the Texas Commission of helping [it] grow and become a more attractive place for all who live and work here.” Environmental Quality (TCEQ). He will now assist in the plant operations to UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS improve your water quality! Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and meeting agendas. NUMBERS TO KNOW Animal Control 6/27/2017 City Council Workshop Rosenberg City Hall 832.595.3490 6:00 p.m. 2110 4th Street, Citizen Relations 7/4/2017 Family Fourth Seabourne Creek Nature Park 832.595.3301 6:00 p.m. 3831 Highway 36, South Customer Service - Utilities 832.595.3400 7/18/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency 832.595.3700 7:00 p.m. 2110 4th St Republic Services - Solid Waste 7/25/2017 City Council Workshop Rosenberg City Hall 713.726.7300 6:00 p.m. 2110 4th St LET’S BE FRIENDS!

Twitter: @RbergTXGov Celebrate

Instagram: @RbergTXGov July 4th Family-style! Publication comments are welcome Tuesday, July 4 from email: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. [email protected] Seabourne Creek Nature Park Phone: 3831 Highway 36 South, Rosenberg 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications)

RosenbergRosenberg Insider Insider « « www.cityofrosenberg.com www.rosenbergtx.gov « « June/July May/June 2017 2017 Insider ««« July/August 2017 «««

What is GIS and how do they help us prepare for natural disasters? Story pages 2-3

Councilor Susan Euton was elected 2017-2018 City Council Councilor, District 2 in May 2013. Euton previously served as New Council Sworn in on June 6, 2017 Councilor At-Large Rosenberg’s 2017-2018 City Council was sworn in to office in June following the May General Position 1 from Election. The Rosenberg City Council serves staggered two year terms of office. Districts 1, 2009 to 2011, and 2, 3, and 4 are elected in even-numbered years, and the Mayor, At-Large 1, and At-Large 2 in currently serves on odd-numbered years. Representatives are limited to three consecutive terms of office by City the Finance/Audit Charter. The 2017-2018 Rosenberg City Council consists of: Committee as well as the Professional Services/Engineering Mayor William T. Councilor Jimmie J. Project Review Committee. Euton holds “Bill” Benton was Peña was elected City degrees in Business and Economics and elected in May Councilor, District 1 in Accounting from Rice University. 2017. Benton is self- May 2013. City Council employed and owner appointed Councilor Councilor Alice of Benton Limousine, Peña Mayor Pro Tem Jozwiak was elected ABC Bonding, Benton in June 2016 and again Councilor, District Realty and Rose-Rich in June 2017. He has 3, in May 2016. A Realty. He has an been active in the lifelong Rosenberg Associate’s Degree Rose-Rich Jaycees, the resident and Lamar from Wharton County Rose-Rich Optimist Consolidated Junior College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Club, and the Rosenberg-Richmond Chamber graduate, Jozwiak the University of Houston. He is active in the of Commerce. He serves on the Employee is currently serving Rosenberg Lions Club, Hispanics Offering Benefits Committee, the Greater Fort Bend on the Employee People Education (HOPE), and the numerous Economic Development Council, the Houston- Benefits Committee, other community groups. As Mayor, he Galveston Area Council, Main Street Advisory the Finance/Audit Committee, the will serve as representative to the Records Board, Rosenberg Development Corporation, Professional Services Review Committee, the Management Committee and the Rosenberg The Planning Committee Council Ex-Officio Rosenberg Development Corporation, and Image Committee. and Professional Services Review Committees. Hotel Occupancy Tax Evaluation Committee.

Councilor Jacob Councilor Amanda J. Councilor Lynn Balderas was elected Barta was elected as Moses was elected to the Councilor At Councilor At Large, to the office of City Large, Position 1 in Position 2 in May Councilor, District 4, May 2017. 2015. Previously, in May 2015. Councilor Balderas she had served as Councilor Moses attended George Councilor, District 4 serves on the Ranch High School and since June 2013. Employee Benefits is currently attending Councilor Barta serves Committee, Lone Star College. on the Animal Shelter Houston-Galveston He is working toward Advisory Board, the Area Council, the a degree in Criminal Justice. He works as a Parks and Recreation Board, and the Charter Rosenberg Development Corporation, Realtor with Realm Real Estate and will serve Review Committee. Barta is a Lifetime Charter Review Committee, and the Hotel on the Finance/Audit Commitee. Member of the Fort Bend County Fair. Occupancy Tax Evaluation Committee.

July/August 2017 www.rosenbergtx.gov Our Government The City of Rosenberg operates in a Hail to the Chief! Council-Manager form of government The City of Rosenberg announced on June 12, 2017 in which the City Council sets the policy that Darrell Himly had accepted the position as Fire Chief. Himly, who acted as the Interim Fire Chief since and overall direction for the City, and February, began his career with the Rosenberg Fire appoints a professional City Manager and Department as a Junior Firefighter when he was just other key officials to oversee operations. 15. He became a volunteer firefighter in 1985 and was hired on fulltime in January of 1990. Himly has been the recipient of several awards City Council and promotions in his time at Rosenberg. In 2002, he was promoted to a Lieutenant and in 2009 to the Mayor: William T. Benton Assistant Chief of Fire. He has been awarded the City of Rosenberg Employee of the Year, Employee At Large 1: Jacob Balderas of the Quarter, and Firefighter of the Year. He has At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta also achieved the Survivalink First Save Award, the American Red Cross CPR Award, and the Fort Bend District 1: Jimmie J. Peña ELKS Club Outstanding Public Servant Award. “Darrell Himly has been an asset to the fire District 2: Susan Euton department and the City of Rosenberg,” City Manager, John Maresh said. “During his career, District 3: Alice Jozwiak Darrell has taken the steps necessary to prepare District 4: Lynn Moses himself to serve as the Fire Chief and we are thrilled to offer him the position and continue the excellent service that he has provided for our City Manager citizens.” “The Rosenberg Fire Department is made up John Maresh of so many talented men and women,” Himly said. “I am honored to be named Chief to lead this great organization. I have seen many Meetings changes in the fire department in the last 34 City Council meets regularly in public Once Upon a Flood: GIS Story Maps years and there are many more to come as the Police on scene to direct traffic, firefighters putting out a blaze, and even the cashier community grows. I look forward to helping session the first, third, and fourth the Rosenberg Fire Department Tuesday of each month. Check the processing utility payments are the typical faces that come to mind when someone refers to City services. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department may not come to mind; meet the challenges of a growing community and website for times, agendas, etc. Council however, this behind-the-scenes crew provides vital resources to City operations. - continuing to deliver meetings may also be viewed live on “GIS is intelligent maps, a map with a database behind it,” GIS Supervisor, Paul Jones said. exceptional Comcast 16 or at: “The maps contain City infrastructure and are a great tool for City staff in daily operations as services.” www.rosenbergtx.gov/TV well as in emergency management.” During the historic 2016 Memorial Day flood, the GIS department played an integral role The top map shows what the northern portion of the City looked like when the water in in helping the City prepare for what would ultimately be declared a City and Federal disaster. CHECK IT OUT... Before the clouds even rolled in, Paul and GIS Specialist Cory Vardaman had created maps the Brazos River rose to 52 feet. Flooded areas were depicted in yellow, north of the down www.rosenbergtx.gov/visitors/gallery that would simulate the impact of water if the Brazos River rose to 52 feet, 53 feet, and town area. Orange boxes show areas that were evacuated during the flood. to view photos from our most recent finally, an unprecedented 55 feet. With these detailed elevation maps, City staff and officials The bottom map shows the water levels and flooding experienced when the Brazos events and share/tag yourself on social could make educated decisions regarding evacuation zones and targeted messaging for the River rose to 55 feet for the first time in over a hundred years. Additional yellow media. homes and businesses that were very likely to be affected. "The GIS Department utilized the story map application to provide a timeline of actions boxes were added to depict flooded parcels and the red lines represent additionalRosenberg Fire Chief, from pre-event planning, creating evacuation zones during the event, to recording the extent evacuation zones for residents and businesses as water levels rose. Mission Statement of damage when it was all over," Jones said. "GIS can help in all phases of a disaster." To learn more about GIS or browse the Interactive Map library, visit: Darrell Himly To anticipate community needs and www.rosenbergtx.gov/interactive-web-maps. deliver exceptional service; and to cultivate an enhanced quality of life Don’t Miss through leadership, innovation, and Don't miss this year's Downtown Stomp! Downtown Merchants: cooperative partnerships. Copious Deli Hosted by the Fort Bend County Fair, the annual Downtown Stomp Roots and Relics Antiques COME WORK WITH US event will be held Saturday, August 5 2017 in historic downtown Front Porch Rosenberg. Wine lovers and shop-a-holics alike will enjoy this after- A Tropical Haven Downtown Studios Salon the BUZZ Another Time Soda Fountain Hawkins Furniture hours event commemorating the unofficial kick off for the Fort Downtown Bend County Fair. Antiques Around the Corner Jay and Barb's Antiques Barn Door Antiques Ol' Railroad Cafe The Downtown Stomp is hosted by partners, Rosenberg Arts BR Provisions Old Main Street Bakery Alliance and the Fort Bend County Fair wine committee: Grapes on Calla Lillies Antiques Once Again Antiques the Brazos. Guests will enjoy wine, hors d'oeuvres, and after-hours D&S Antiques Mall Red Queen's Attic shopping. The event raises money for Fort Bend Students and has Dostal's Designs in Fine Jewelry and Southern Sister Designs awarded over $150,000 in scholarships. Dostal's Coporate Solutions Vogelsang Antique Emporium

Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « July/August 2017 Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « May/June 2017

Above and Beyond! Great Service That Doesn't Go Unnoticed

Civic Center employees Joe Reyna and Michael Nelson were recognized by the Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage Forum for going above and beyond in their service, helping to ensure that the group's events were successful and that all their needs were met. The Forum appreciates the job well done.

L to R: Fred Welch, Texas Economic Development Council Chairman; Randall Malik, RDC Executive Director; Chris Martin, RDC Board Chairman; Kent Anderson, Dallas Regional Workforce.

Joe Reyna (left) and Michael Nelson (right) were RDC Wins WEA at TEDC. What? recognized by the Fort Bend Hispanic Heritage The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) announced the annual winners of its Forum for all their hard work. community-based Workforce Excellence Awards (WEA) for 2017 on June 8, 2017. The Rosenberg Development Corporation (RDC) received the Workforce Excellence Award for its NUMBERS TO KNOW collaboration with Texas State Technical College (TSTC)-Fort Bend. The WEA program recognizes exceptional contributions by a Texas community that Animal Control has implemented successful workforce initiatives. The TEDC’s Workforce Development 832.595.3490 Committee reviewed applications from 20 communities. Nominees were judged on five criteria: innovativeness, transferability, community commitment and leverage, measured Citizen Relations objectives, and secondary benefits. 832.595.3301 In 2015, The RDC entered into a performance agreement with TSTC to provide $2.5 Million of funding over a ten-year period, to assist in funding the campus. Customer Service - Utilities “We are very fortunate for the opportunity to partner with one of the states’ premier 832.595.3400 technical training institutions in TSTC,” said RDC Executive Director Randall Malik. “The campus has ensured that we can provide access to a skilled workforce for our current, as Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency well as future employers. The WEA award recognizes the tremendous impact TSTC-Fort 832.595.3700 Bend has had on the local and regional economy.” The campus, which opened in the fall of 2016, is scheduled to open a second building this Republic Services - Solid Waste fall. Ultimately, the campus is projected to have six buildings and will accommodate about 713.726.7300 5,000 students. “Our TEDC’s Workforce Excellence Award is one of the ways in which our organization honors the outstanding work done by our communities and regions, their leaders, and their LET’S BE FRIENDS! economic development professionals in the area of workforce development,” noted Carlton Schwab, President/CEO of the TEDC.” Twitter: @RbergTXGov UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and meeting agendas. Instagram: @RbergTXGov 8/1/2017 City Council Regular Rosenberg City Hall 7:00 p.m. Meeting 8/12/2017 Special Workshop Rosenberg City Hall Publication comments are welcome 9:00 a.m. Meeting email: 8/15/2017 City Council Regular Rosenberg City Hall [email protected] 7:00 p.m. Meeting Phone: 8/22/2017 City Council Workshop Rosenberg City Hall 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications) 7:00 p.m. Meeting

RosenbergRosenberg Insider Insider « « www.cityofrosenberg.com www.rosenbergtx.gov « « July/August May/June 2017 2017 Insider ««« August/September 2017 «««

Want to work for the City of Rosenberg? Create your job profile today ... page 3

Diseases like West Nile Fight the Bite! Virus and Zika can be spread through mosquito Be Mosquito Safe This Summer bites. Both diseases The City of Rosenberg currently sprays each have known cases in Wednesday, within the city limits, in an attempt to help Texas, including three control the mosquito population; it takes everyone doing in neighboring Harris their part to keep the pests (and potential diseases they County as of July 2017. can carry) under control. Residents should not rely solely The best way to on the City’s mosquito spraying for protection from protect yourself and deadly diseases carried by certain mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in your family from Take responsibility for your own health by following standing water mosquito-born illness these suggestions from the Texas Department of State is to avoid bites in the Health Services to protect yourself and your first place. family from mosquitoes: DRAIN any standing water in your yard. Mosquitoes love to breed in stagnant water. This includes pools, broken flower pots or other open containers, clogged rain gutters, and bird baths. ZIKA DRESS in long sleeves and pants if you are Top Five Facts: outside and mosquitoes are active. DUSK/DAWN is when mosquitoes are most Dusk and Dawn are mosquito 1. Zika primarily spreads active. through infected DEET (n,n-diethyl-m-toluamide) is an ingredient happy hour mosquitoes. to look for in your insect repellent. Other The best way to prevent acceptable repellents contain Oil of Lemon, 2. Zika is to prevent Eucalyptus, or Picaridin. Also consider using mosquito bites. appropriate sprays for your yard. Always wear repellent when you are outside and follow label 3. Zika has been linked to instructions; do not allow children to apply their birth defects. own repellent. Pregnant women Visit the Centers for Disease Control and 4. shouldn’t travel to areas Prevention website (www.cdc.gov) or the Texas with Zika. Department of State Health Services (www.dshs. Returning travelers texas.gov) for additional information on the 5. infected with Zika can prevention of the West Nile Virus. For information spread the virus through regarding the City’s mosquito spraying program, mosquito bites. contact Citizen Relations at 832-595-3301. Make sure your Mosquito August/September 2017 Repellent has DEET www.rosenbergtx.gov Our Government Left Photo: Having a positive The City of Rosenberg operates in a attitude and an approachable Council-Manager form of government disposition is part of a great police in which the City Council sets the force. L to R: Officer Joseph Smith,, policy and overall direction for the Assistant Chief Tracie Dunn, Officer City, and appoints a professional City Joshua Manriquez, Sergeant Eliseo Manager and other key officials to Flores, Sergeant Eric Marmol, and oversee the City’s daily operations. Officer Kelly Kreusch participate in red-nose day. City Council Mayor: William T. Benton Right Photo: Officer Katrina Bubb At Large 1: Jacob Balderas interacts with the community at At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta the Rosenberg Family Fourth event, handing out stickers and getting to District 1: Jimmie J. Peña know our residents. District 2: Susan Euton District 3: Alice Jozwiak District 4: Lynn Moses Live Here, Work Here City Manager Job-seekers Can Now Apply Online John Maresh Job-seekers can finally apply ONLINE for open positions with the City of Meetings Rosenberg at: rosenbergtx.gov/city-government/human-resources Partnering with NEOGOV, the City can now expedite hiring and provide City Council meets regularly in public greater accountability when selecting new employees. session the first, third, and fourth RPD Recognized Again “The Human Resources Department is thrilled to have NEOGOV Tuesday of each month. Check the implemented,” Director of Human Resources, Lori Remington said. website for times, agendas, etc. HR Director Lori Remington says: “This new software streamlines the job search and application process Council meetings may also be viewed RPD Acknowledged as Recognized Law for job seekers. Candidates can even submit multiple applications, all live on Comcast 16 or at: Enforcement Agency, Again! electronically.” www.rosenbergtx.gov/TV. Apply Today! The new Online site allows users to create profiles to quickly and easily On Wednesday, July 12, 2017, the Rosenberg Police Department was notified apply for a variety of positions. Job-seekers can also browse and subscribe City Mission by the Texas Police Chiefs Association that the Department was re-recognized as to “job categories” in order to get updates when positions of interest become a “Recognized Law Enforcement Agency”. The Rosenberg Police Department was available for hire. Statement originally recognized in July of 2013 as the 82nd Texas law enforcement agency to To anticipate community needs and meet the program standards. deliver exceptional service; and to By being re-recognized, the Rosenberg Police Department showed compliance cultivate an enhanced quality of life with 168 Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices. These best practices were care- through leadership, innovation, and fully developed by Texas Law Enforcement professionals to assist agencies in the Fort Bend Recovers: Still Helping Flood Victims cooperative partnerships. efficient and effective delivery of service, the reduction of risk and the protection of individual’s rights. The Texas Best Practices Recognition Program has become Many are still recovering from the recent disasters in Fort Bend County and organizations like Fort Bend Recovers are ready the new Gold Standard for Texas Law Enforcement. to help. Resources are still available for assistance with many aspects of rebuilding and moving on after events such as the NUMBERS TO KNOW The Rosenberg Police Department would like to thank Chief Jim Sevey of the Na- 2016 Memorial Day flood. Resources such as construction and repair assistance (including help to acquire proper permits and inspections), building materials, basic needs (e.g., food, health and human services, transportation), FEMA assistance, legal Animal Control cogdoches Police Department and Assistant Chief Amy Knoll of the Cleburne Police 832.595.3490 Department. These two individuals were the on-site inspectors who conducted a services, housing and utility assistance, and more. Even mental and spiritual health assistance is available by calling the crisis thorough review of all 168 standards. During the inspection, they conducted over counseling and mental health hot-line at (281) 207-2505 Fort Bend Recovers can be reached at (281)-207-2555 in both English Citizen Relations and Spanish. For more information, visit: www.fortbendrecovers.com 832.595.3301 20 interviews and each spent over 4 hours riding and interacting with officers. By Customer Service - Utilities interacting with the officers, the inspectors made sure that not only did the Rosen- 832.595.3400 berg Police Department have the proper policies in place, but also that it conducts business with the highest degree of professional conduct. Housing Development by the Numbers Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency During the 2018 Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Annual Conference, the Rosen- 832.595.3700 Second Quarter, 2017: berg Police Department will be acknowledged for the Re-Recognition Status. The Republic Services - Solid Waste Rosenberg Police Department is proud to be re-recognized and maintain its status Estimated Population:38,556 Housing Starts: 177 / 302 YTD 713.726.7300 with the other elite agencies in the state that share this honor. Lots Platted:103 / 135 YTD City/ETJ: 55.4% / 44.6%

RosenbergRosenberg Insider Insider « « www.rosenbergtx.gov www.rosenbergtx.gov « « November/December August/September 2017 2016 Simply the Best! Committee Members Begin Terms; Every year, the American Public Works Association Texas Chapter presents an award to Departing Members Leave Legacy the Top Public Works Leader and this year, the The City of Rosenberg would like to thank our former committee members for all their hard City of Rosenberg’s Public Works Director, Rigo work and dedication. Thank you for striving to make our City a better place. Calzoncin won the top honor! Rigo started his career in public services in Lisa Woebse (Animal Control Shelter Advisory Board), Shawn Schulze (Building and Standards 1998 working as a Signal Tech for TxDOT. From Board), Jose Camacho, Jr. (Image Committee), Richard Olson (Image Committee), Julia Worley the very beginning, he was recognized for his (Image Committee and Parks and Recreation Board), Janice Knight (Main Street Advisory Board), leadership potential and he quickly moved up Carolyn Watson (Main Street Advisory Board), Teresa Bailey (Parks and Recreation Board), the career ladder to Field Supervisor for the William Bennett (Planning Commission), Steven Monk (Planning Commission), Lester Phipps, Jr. City of Sugar Land, Street Superintendent for (Planning Commission). Missouri City, and now we are truly fortunate The City of Rosenberg welcomes newly appointed members to the following committees and to have Rigo as our Public Works Director. boards: Rudy Cuellar (Animal Control Shelter Advisory Board), William Hester, DVM (Animal Control Rigo inspires others to put their best foot Shelter Advisory Board), Carolyn Seiler (Animal Control Shelter Advisory Board, Cowboy Bill; forward. He is a leader by example with a citizen-at-large (Building Standards Board), Robert P. Duran; contractor (Building Standards natural disposition to generosity, integrity, and Board), Phillip Grudziecki; master plumber (Building Standards Board), Harold Ron Howell; high moral character. He is a mentor, leader, HVAC licensed (Building Standards Board), Devin Koeppen; utility representative (Building father, and supporter of his community. He Standards Board), Walter Urbish, Jr.; master electrician (Building Standards Board), Joyce Bartos motivates others with the spirit and dedication (Image Committee), John Burlingame (Image Committee), Rudy Cuellar (Image Committee), he brings to his job, molding the strong JoAnn McMinn (Image Committee),Marcus Morales (Image Committee),Steven Sterling workforce we have today for the challenges of (Image Committee),Lila Villagomez (Image Committee),Bob Alanis (Main Street Advisory tomorrow. Board), Kathy Golden (Main Street Advisory Board), Ernie Dixon (Main Street Advisory Board), Grace Haggerty (Main Street Advisory Board), Jennifer Hartmann (Main Street Advisory Board), Michael Mercado (Main Street Advisory Board), Marco Ruiz (Main Street Advisory Board), Rhoda Danziger Saka (Main Street Advisory Board), Edmund Samora (Main Street Advisory Board), Marcia Vogelsang (Main Street Advisory Board), Rudy Cuellar (Parks and Recreation Board),Dawnyell Gallien (Parks and Recreation Board),Rudy Guerrero (Parks and Recreation Board),Bertha Nell Kelm (Honorary Member: Parks and Recreation Board), Ray Kueck (Parks and Recreation Board),Andy Peal (Parks and Recreation Board), Edmund Samora (Parks and Recreation Board),Steven Sterling (Parks and Recreation Board),George Zepeda (Parks and Recreation Board),Arlene Beavers (Planning Commission), Pete Pavlovsky (Planning Commission), Wayne Poldrack (Planning Commission), Michael S. Richard (Planning Commission), James Urbish (Planning Commission), Sergio Villagomez (Planning Commission).

2017 Top Public Works Leader UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and Rigo Calzoncin meeting agendas. 09/05/2017 Regular City Council 7:00 p.m. at Meeting Rosenberg City Hall CHECK US OUT ON

Twitter: 09/06/2017 Car Seat Inspections 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. *by appointment only Call 832-595-3450 @RbergTXGov 09/16/2017 Fall Fun Fest Rosenberg Railroad Museum Instagram: 1921 Ave F @RbergTXGov 09/19/2017 Regular City Council 7:00 p.m. at Meeting Rosenberg City Hall Publication Comments are welcome Email: 09/26/2017 City Council Workshop 6:00 p.m. at [email protected] Meeting Rosenberg City Hall Phone: 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications) 10/03/2017 National Night Out More Information: www.rosenbergtx.gov Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « August/September 2017 Insider ««« September/October 2017 «««

What’s a chloramine conversion and why will it matter to you and your pets? Page 4

Construction Junction What’s Your Function? It seems like everywhere you look there’s construction, and that’s because the construction on I-69 is one of the largest ongoing projects in the Houston area. The project will be four lanes in each direction with HOV to Reading Road, at which point it will reduce to three lanes each way at FM 2218 and SH-36. Are we There Yet? The construction is broken into four segments: Crabb River Road to FM 762, FM Section-by-section, mile-by-mile, construction progress 762 to Spur 10, Spur 10 to Darst Road, and Darst Road to Wharton County. The creeps along. Here’s an update on local areas that are good news is that the portion of the project most affecting Rosenberg, FM 762 to heavily impacted by road projects. Spur 10 is expected to complete in October 2019. When the project is complete, travelers will encounter a multi-lane highway in both directions with frontage roads for easy on-off access. FM 762: Traffic was shifted to the new southbound Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Fort Bend Area Engineer, Grady frontage road in August and is set to open at the FM 762 Mapes, told the Houston Chronicle that Brazos Town Center is a driving factor in intersection. the need for expanded roads. With the completion of the FM 762 ramp to I-69 southbound and frontage road access to Reading Road, holiday shoppers will find Reading Road: Set to close in February of 2018 and reo- some relief as they head out to the Brazos Town Center. pen in May of 2018. Construction is a slow and sometimes frustrating reality for growing communities, but the payoff will be easier commutes in the longterm. While US90A/SH-36: Construction to build an elevated bridge the project is well underway, commuters can still expect to see orange cones and traffic delays for some time to come. Traffic updates are available atwww. over the railroad tracks is scheduled to begin early 2017 rosenbergtx.gov/lane-closures-utility-disruptions. at the area known as the Triple Fork.

US 90A (near Lane Dr.) BNSF Railroad Overpass: This project is set to begin in late 2017 and last approximately 36 months.

FM 2218 Widening (between I-69 and SH-36): Project is set to begin late in 2018 and last approximately 360 days.

SH-36 Widening: Project is broken into several segments: North of FM 2218 to Needville-Fairchilds is set to begin in September 2018 and last approximately 40 months. August 2016: August 2017: I-69 southbound at FM 762 in the I-69 southbound at FM 762, a year early stages of construction. later, the new exit ramp nearly ready. Visit apps.dot.state.tx.us/apps-cq/project_tracker to check out TxDOT projects for Fort Bend County.

September/October 2017 www.rosenbergtx.gov Our Government The City of Rosenberg operates in a Council-Manager form of government Brazos Center Now Open in which the City Council sets the policy Texas State Technical College Fort Bend starts year two with its brand-new Brazos Center. The Brazos Center, which is the second phase of and overall direction for the City, and what will be a seven-building, 5,000-student campus, boasts a student store and a café. Student enrollment has jumped from 248 last fall to appoints a professional City Manager and 459 this fall, including 265 new students. The addition of the Brazos other key officials to oversee operations. Center, along with the new lineworker training facility, will allow TSTC to offer new courses in Electrical Lineworker Technology, Robotics/ Mission Statement Industrial Automation, Electrical Power & Controls Technology, and Environmental Technology – Compliance Specialization. To anticipate community needs and deliver exceptional service; and to Head of the Class! cultivate an enhanced quality of life TSTC ROSENBERG HAS FIRST COMMENCEMENT through leadership, innovation, and cooperative partnerships. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) officially closed the book on its first year of education at the Fort Bend Campus in Rosenberg. On Tuesday, August 22nd , 70 students graduated with various professional certificates. TSTC Fort Bend opened its first building in Fall of City Council 2016 with 248 students. Courses offered in 2016 included Industrial Maintenance Technology, Cyber Security, Telecommunications Convergence Mayor: William T. Benton Technology and Welding Technology. At Large 1: Jacob Balderas At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta District 1: Jimmie J. Peña District 2: Susan Euton District 3: Alice Jozwiak New building calls District 4: Lynn Moses for new equipment!

City Manager John Maresh Meetings City Council meets regularly in public session the first, third, and fourth Hats off to Tuesday of each month. Check the the 2017 Grads! website for times, agendas, etc. Council meetings may also be viewed live on Comcast 16 or at: www.rosenbergtx.gov/TV

DON’T MISS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT! TUESDAY OCTOBER 3, 2017 In the Target shopping center at Brazos Town Center and in neighborhoods throughout Rosenberg.rosenbergtx.gov/ national-night-out/ for more info.

Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « September/October 2017 Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « May/June 2017 What’s Up With Your Water?

Garbage Rates Increasing Oct. 1, 2017 The City of Rosenberg is changing the disinfectant used in our drinking water from chlorine to chloramine late 2017 or early 2018. This change is intended to Effective October 1, 2017, residential benefit our customers by reducing the levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in and commercial garbage rates will the system, while still providing protection from waterborne diseases. A majority increase. The new rates will be: of public water systems in Texas that rely on surface water for their potable water supplies use chloramine disinfectant. Public water systems like City of Houston, City of Austin and Dallas Water Utilities have been using chloramine disinfection for • $16.40 for residents under 65 several decades. • $15.67 for residents 65 and over However, the change to chloramine can potentially impact people that rely on dialysis machines. Chloramine, like chlorine, must be removed from the water For more information, including prior to being used in the dialysis machines. A condition known as hemolytic commercial rates, visit: anemia can occur if the disinfectant is not completely removed from the water that is used for the dialysate. Consequently, the pretreatment scheme used for the www.rosenbergtx.gov/garbage or dialysis machines must include some means, such as a charcoal filter, for removing contact Utility Customer Services at the chloramine prior to January, 2018. Medical facilities should also determine if (832) 595-3400. additional precautions are required for other medical equipment. Dialysis patients should contact their medical facilities for guidance on modifications needed to their NUMBERS TO KNOW dialysis machines and procedures. Chloramine, like chlorine, must also be removed from the water before it is added Animal Control to aquariums or fish ponds, including fish and lobster tanks in restaurants and 832.595.3490 stores. The ammonia used to form chloramines is toxic to fish and other aquatic Citizen Relations life as it enters the bloodstream directly through the gills. If you have a fish tank, 832.595.3301 please make sure that the water conditioning chemicals or filters that you are Customer Service - Utilities using are designed for use in water that has been treated with chloramine. You 832.595.3400 may need to change the type of filter that you use for the fish tank. Leaving water to sit is not a reliable method for removing chloramine from the water. Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency For questions concerning this change, please contact the City of Rosenberg 832.595.3700 Customer Service Department at 832-595-3300. Republic Services - Solid Waste 713.726.7300 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices FOLLOW US! and meeting agendas.

Twitter: 10/03/2017 National Night Out Target Shopping Center @RbergTXGov 6:00 p.m. Brazos Town Center 10/10/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall Instagram: 7:00 p.m. 2110 4th Street @RbergTXGov 10/14/2017 Autumn Arts Festival Downtown Rosenberg 10:00 a.m. Bark in the Park Avenue G

Publication comments are welcome 10/17/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall email: 7:00 p.m. 2110 4th St [email protected] Phone: 10/24/2017 City Council Workshop Rosenberg City Hall 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications) 6:00 p.m. 2110 4th St

RosenbergRosenberg Insider Insider « « www.rosenbergtx.gov www.cityofrosenberg.com « «September/October May/June 2017 2017 Insider ««« October/November 2017 «««

Find out more about volunteering for Harvey Page 2

Hurricane Harvey Causes Record Flood Levels Throughout FBC On Saturday, August 26, 2017, Mayor The outpouring of support has been an William Benton signed an Evacuation extraordinary testament to what it means to Harvey’s Impact on Order for the City of Rosenberg, evacuating be a community. Despite generous donations Fort Bend County residents on the North side of the City in of time, money, and personal items pouring preparation for Hurricane Harvey. Harvey’s in, flood victims still face many challenges. inches of rain were devastating impacts were felt throughout 36-40 What do I do now? seen throughout Fort parts of Texas and all of Fort Bend County. The Brazos River crested at 55.2 feet 1. Register with FEMA. Bend County on September 2, 2017, nearly a half-foot Visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov to 10.5k rescues and higher than the previous record in 2016. In register your property. You can also call toll evacuations took Rosenberg, alone, 51 homes and 5 businesses free at (800) 621-FEMA. Be prepared with were affected by flood waters that reached up your: place in cities to five and a half feet in some residences. • Social Security number throughout Fort Bend. City employees dispatched in teams, the • Address evacuations were next weekend, to do preliminary evaluations • Damage description 200k and clear hazards from evacuated properties. • Insurance information ordered Inspection teams were able to do their initial • Phone number assessment on Labor Day Weekend allowing of Fort Bend County • An address where you can receive mail 22% displaced residents back to their homes the • Bank account/routing number for was flooded during following week. direct deposits Hurricane Harvey. Now, with portions of the City facing • ID and proof of occupancy devastating loss, our community has come • Property deed or title 464 roads in Fort Bend together in order to rebuild. 2. Contact the City to set up a damage County were closed The President declared a Major Disaster for inspection. (832) 595-3500. FEMA will be due to flooding the State of Texas beginning on August 23, making inspections as well. 2017, and FEMA opened an official Disaster 3. Decide whether you want to rebuild and 29 shelters were opened Recovery Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe contact the City permitting office for more in Fort Bend County Church on Avenue D in north Rosenberg. information on required permits and building with over 5,000 The American Red Cross, parishioners of standards. (832) 595-3500. evacuees all denominations, friends, family, and For all other questions, contact the City of neighbors have all come together to help. Rosenberg at (832) 595-3300.

October/November 2017 www.rosenbergtx.gov Image Awards

August Landscaping: Jose Carrizales 1505 Manor Drive Bernadette Toman Thank 1713 McKinley Street You August Renovating: Marvin Tejada 1209 5th Street

September Landscaping: Jean Tabi-alima 1123 Desert Willow Lane

Rose 8203 Silent Deep Drive Harvey’s Heroes Our Government HurricaneOpen Harvey’senrollment wide-spread is underway devastating for Texas State impact Technical left thousands of people in need.College’s The response new Fort from Bend volunteers Campus readyin Rosenberg, to give time, and TSTC money, and supplies The City of Rosenberg operates in a has beenannounced incredible. the Many Texan are Success still ready Scholarship to help Programand wondering for what to do next. Elevation Success Council-Manager form of government The recovery process has so many moving parts, its easy to wonder if your time, new students enrolling for the fall of 2016. This unique The four homes that The Memorial Day Flood in 2016 affected several in which the City Council sets the policy efforts, and donations are going to the right place. Fortunately, we have some program is to provide cost of attendance assistance to were elevated after properties in North Rosenberg. The water from the Brazos and overall direction for the City, and great local organizations that have stepped up to coordinate and organize relief appoints a professional City Manager and qualified students during their first two consecutive- se the Memorial Day River rose to unprecedented heights and caused major efforts to relieve those concerns. Fort Bend Recovers is a group that has been other key officials to oversee the City’s mesters of enrollment at TSTC. The total award will be up Flood Event did not damage to homes. offering help to Harvey victims as well as organizing groups for volunteers. They daily operations. to $1,000 per full-time student. There will be 500 scholar- take on water during In order for those residents to rebuild their homes, have partnered with our local churches, community leaders, and groups like ships awarded. the Harvey flood. they needed to adhere to FEMA’s requirements which City Council Friends of North Rosenberg who are already out in our community providing included building above Base Flood Elevation. That means Mayor: William T. Benton hands-on assistance. To get started as a volunteer, to donate, or to apply for that if a home is determined to have substantial damage, disaster aid visit fortbendrecovers.org. At Large 1: Jacob Balderas it must be raised to an elevation that is higher than flood waters are anticipated to rise based on Flood Insurance At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta Rate Maps. District 1: Jimmie J. Peña Four properties in the City of Rosenberg went through District 2: Susan Euton the process of elevating their homes above the Base District 3: Alice Jozwiak Flood Elevation after the 2016 flood event. The home- owners worked with City building officials and FEMA to District 4: Lynn Moses get the necessary permits and constructed their homes according to the guidelines. City Manager The City of Rosenberg is happy to report that these John Maresh four homes escaped damage during the recent Hurricane Harvey weather event. Water did not enter the four City Mission Statement Fort Bend Recovers meets Friends of North Local churches were homes who chose to elevate. To anticipate community needs and with the community Rosenberg helping hands among the first to help In order to assist those who are facing similar problems deliver exceptional service; and to after the most recent flood, City Council has waived cultivate an enhanced quality of life building permit fees. To start the rebuilding process, through leadership, innovation, and fortbendrecovers.org attackpoverty.org Visit any local church residents impacted by floodwaters are urged to contact cooperative partnerships. City Code Enforcement at (832) 595-3500. Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « October/November 2017 National Champs

L-R: Communications Manager, Jennifer Pavlovich, Senior Administrative Assistant, Alyssa Salazar, Content Specialist, Lorenzo Lerma Exciting Expansions For the second year in a row, the City of The Rosenberg Development Corporation square feet. Benedettini will be required Rosenberg Communications Department (RDC) will pay $250,000 to assist local to make a capital expenditure of almost $4 placed in the top three for 3CMA’s nation- business, Benedettini Cabinetry, extend storm million. wide competition honoring those who sewer infrastructure across its property. The Since 1999 Benedettini Cabinetry has built communicate creatively and effectively in extension will allow the company to complete custom cabinets for high-end home builders. government. Check out their winning entry at an on-site expansion of 54,750 square feet, They employ 300 people and are located at https://vimeo.com/211758417. nearly doubling its current footprint of 61,435 533 Highway 36 North in Rosenberg. Meetings City Council meets regularly in public session the first, third, and LET’S BE fourth Tuesday of each month. FRIENDS Check the website for times, agendas, etc. Council meetings The City of Rosenberg is now on Facebook! may also be viewed live on Like and follow us Comcast 16 or at: for all the latest City www.CityofRosenberg.com/TV. news, fun photos, and NUMBERS TO KNOW helpful resources!

Animal Control Don’t forget: 832.595.3490 Twitter: Citizen Relations @RbergTXGov Instagram: @CityofRosenberg 832.595.3301 Twitter: @RbergTXGov Instagram: Customer Service - Utilities @CityofRosenberg 832.595.3400 Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency 832.595.3700 Republic Services - Solid Waste UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS 713.726.7300 Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and meeting agendas. CHECK US OUT ON Twitter: 11/07/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall 7:00 p.m. 2110 4th Street @RbergTXGov 11/21/2017 City Council Meeting Rosenberg City Hall 7:00 p.m. 2110 4th Street Instagram: @CityofRosenberg 11/23/2017 Thanksgiving City Offices Closed 10:00 a.m.

Publication Comments are welcome 11/24/2017 Day after Thanksgiving City Offices Closed Email: 7:00 p.m. [email protected] Phone: 11/28/2017 City Council Workshop Rosenberg City Hall 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications) 6:00 p.m. 2110 4th St Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « October/November 2017 Insider ««« November/December 2017 «««

Safe Meet-up Spot for Internet Shopping Story on page 2

Attractions in Store for 2017 NEW Rosenberg Christmas Nights Chances are Rosenberg won’t have snow The annual event is hosted by the City list. Food and craft vendors, live music, this Christmas, but that won’t stop us from of Rosenberg’s Parks and Recreation trackless train rides, performances by CAST having the kind of winter fun you see in Department who have been hard at work Theatrical, and “Get the Grinch” paintball the movies! to bring you new fun activities that the will keep the whole family busy for hours! This year at Rosenberg Christmas Nights, entire family can be excited about, as well “We are more excited than ever for this you can expect to go for a toboggan ride or as the events you have come to love over year’s Rosenberg Christmas Nights,” Parks strap on a pair of skates and twirl around the years. and Recreation Program Director Carrie our synthetic ice rink! Your friends won’t Santa will be out on Saturday taking free Kmiec said. “The lighting of the Christmas believe you’re in a Winter Wonderland photos, but he will be around on Friday Tree will kick off the event on Fiday night.” until they see what’s going on in night too for Selfies with Santa. Be sure to downtown Rosenberg, and you’ll have the try out the Rosenberg Christmas Nights chance to capture it all with a selfie from snapchat filter! our Snow Globe Selfie Station! Our downtown vendors get in the spirit Rosenberg Christmas Nights will be every year, many staying open late so Friday, December 1st and Saturday, holiday shoppers can find bargains and December 2nd in the heart of downtown. unique gifts to cross off on their holiday

Schedule of The ice-skating rink is made of synthetic ice that

Events won’t melt Who is ready to go Friday, December 1st Saturday, December 2nd ice-skating! 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting FREE Santa Photos Snow-Globe Selfie Station Trackless Train Rides Selfies with Santa Ice-Skating Rink Music Performances Downtown Shopping Ice-Skating Rink Toboggan Rides Food and Craft Vendors Theatrical Performance by CAST *Cover photo courtesy of Brandon Campbell, BAC Photography and Design November/December 2017 www.rosenbergtx.gov

Our Government The City of Rosenberg operates in a RPD Offers Safe Exchange Location Council-Manager form of government By now everyone knows that crime goes up during the in which the City Council sets the hoiday season. We’ve all heard the warnings to lock our policy and overall direction for the car doors and don’t leave valuables in plain sight. We don’t City, and appoints a professional City carry too much cash anymore and we’re always aware of our Manager and other key officials to surroundings. oversee the City’s daily operations. Safety is on everyone’s mind, especially during the holidays. This year, the Rosenberg Police Department (RPD) has some City Council new tips to help you and your family stay safe this holiday Mayor: William T. Benton season. RPD wants you to develop a #9PMroutine. That means At Large 1: Jacob Balderas that you get in the habit removing your valuables and gun from your vehicle, lock the door (to your car and your home), and At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta turn on an outside light. Getting in the habit of doing these District 1: Jimmie J. Peña things each day is a great way to deter theft. Learn more by District 2: Susan Euton searching #9PMroutine on social media. District 3: Alice Jozwiak RPD isn’t just doling out advice this holiday season. They are PREVENT crime District 4: Lynn Moses taking action. In addition to increased community presence, REMOVE valuables and guns from your car the police department has designated a safe Meetup Spot at LOCK your car and home City Manager the Rosenberg Police Station located at 2220 4th Street. This is a video-recorded area, right there at the police station where ILLUMINATE an outside light John Maresh you can meet up to exchange money and goods on purchases you made online. RPD partnered with OfferUp, a way to buy #9PMROUTINE Meetings and shop locally, to set up the meeting location. To learn more, visit OfferUp.com or follow the Rosenberg Police Department City Council meets regularly in public on Facebook at facebook.com/RosenbergPoliceDepartment. session the first, third, and fourth Tuesday of each month. Check the website for times, agendas, etc. Council meetings may also be viewed live on #9PMROUTINE Comcast 16 or at: At 9:00 p.m., make it a routine: rosenbergtx.gov/tvwww.rosenbergtx.gov Shop Local This Holiday Season!

City Mission Remove your valuablesturn onand an guns outside from light. the car,ForFacebook.com/rosenbergpolice more Lock crimeyour car prevention and Home, tips and visit: Statement To anticipate community needs and deliver exceptional service; and to cultivate an enhanced quality of life through leadership, innovation, and cooperative partnerships. NUMBERS TO KNOW Animal Control 832.595.3490 Citizen Relations 832.595.3301 Customer Service - Utilities 832.595.3400 Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency 832.595.3700 Republic Services - Solid Waste 713.726.7300

Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « November/December 2017

RPD Offers Safe Exchange Location

PREVENT crime REMOVE valuables and guns from your car LOCK your car and home ILLUMINATE an outside light #9PMROUTINE

#9PMROUTINE Shop Local This HolidayAt 9:00 p.m.,Season! make it a routine:

When you shop and dine in Rosenberg, you help your community and yourself by keeping your tax dollars local and allowing them to be recirculated and reinvested into projects benefitting you, your neighbors, and your places of business. SalesRemove tax generated your valuables throughoutturn onand an theguns outside City from helps light. the fund car,For Facebook.com/rosenbergpoliceinfrastructure more Lock crimeyour car prevention improvements, and Home, tips and enhancesvisit: the quality of life for residents, and improves surroundings in which businesses and residents prosper. Economic development initiatives contribute to a cycle through which locally-spent dollars are collected and reallocated toward projects that improve the community as a whole, thereby improving the likelihood that more dollars will be generated which could then be reinvested. This cycle of reinvestment means that your purchases made in town are working twice as hard to benefit you! We know you’ve already got a holiday list and you’re checking it twice. Check out some of these great reasons to stay close to home this year: Save on g as Support local business Find unique gifts Experience Rosenberg Reinvest in community Meet your neighbors

Look for the “Shop Local in Rosenberg” Facebook page Water Update The City of Rosenberg is changing the disinfectant used in our drinking water from chlorine to chloramine in late January 2018. This will reduce the level of disinfection byproducts in the system while still providing protection from waterborne diseases. Public water systems like the cities of Houston, Austin, and Dallas have Municipal Court Week: Nov 6-10 been using chloramine disinfection for Mayor William Benton proclaimed Texas Municipal Courts Education Center several decades. the week of November 6-10, 2017, as (TMCEC) said. “It succinctly states the The change to chloramine can Municipal Court Week in recognition of proper relationship between City Council potentially impact people that rely the importance of their services. and the Municipal Court.” on dialysis machines. Chloramine, like “The [proclamation] recognizes the TMCEC encouraged all Texas cities to chlorine, must be removed from the water important work of municipal courts and participate in recognizing the work of prior to being used in dialysis machines the people who work [there]. It embraces municipal courts. and patients should contact their medical the principles of judicial independence,” facilities for further guidance. This will also affect fish tanks so, it is important to use the right filters and water conditioning Holiday Decorating Safety chemicals. For questions, please contact the City of Rosenberg Customer Service Don’t forget to think about fire safety as you Department at 832-595-3400. decorate this holiday season. Use caution when hanging Christmas lights, don’t staple through the Fire Marshal Justin Jurek wiring, never connect more than three strands of says: Be Fire Safe and lights, and limit the use of extension cords for your Happy Holidays! decorations. For more safety tips for this holiday season visit rosenbergtx.gov/HolidayFireSafety

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Visit www.cityofrosenberg.com to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and meeting agendas. Citizens and businesses 12/01/2017 Rosenberg Christmas Downtown Rosenberg at water-testing panel Nights 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. 12/02/2017 Rosenberg Christmas Downtown Rosenberg Nights 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. CHECK US OUT ON 12/05/2017 Regular City Council 7:00 p.m. at Twitter: Meeting Rosenberg City Hall @RbergTXGov 12/19/2017 Regular City Council 7:00 p.m. at Instagram: Meeting Rosenberg City Hall @CityofRosenberg 12/25/2017 Christmas Day City offices closed

Instagram: 12/26/2017 Day after Christmas City offices closed @rbergtx Workshop Cancelled 01/01/2018 New Year’s Day City offices closed Publication Comments are welcome [email protected] Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « November/December 2017 Insider ««« December/January 2016-2017 «««

Rosenberg Development Corporation Celebrates Local Businesses... page 2

There’s a New Tower in Town The newest Elevated Storage Tank (EST) in Rosenberg is the 5th EST to serve the potable water service area of Rosenberg. EST No. 5 is located on FM 2977 just behind the new Fire Station. The tank can hold 1.5 million gallons of potable water and will provide increased water pressure and additional capacity for high-demand needs such as fire-fighting to the southeast portion of Laying the ground-work town. Once it is in service, it will also reduce demand on the existing ESTs that serve Rosenberg’s interconnected water system. Currently the City maintains approximately 200 miles of water mains within the City and this additional EST will support the water pressure for the entire system. Ground-breaking on this project was in June of 2015. Construction was a multi-step process, beginning with the foundation. Once that was set, the concrete pedestal rings were poured in place. Finally, the metal storage tank was Now we’re getting constructed on the ground and erected to somewhere the top of the pedestal base. In total, this construction process takes approximately 570 days to be put into service. In November of 2016, the contractor finished painting the Rosenberg logo on the tower which can be seen from US-59/I-69 and helps identify Rosenberg’s southern limits. “The final completion is anticipated for mid-January of 2017,” Interim City Manager John Maresh said. “This project represents a huge milestone for sustaining the rapid growth of Rosenberg’s population meeting the upcoming water source conversion from reliance on groundwater to treated surface water.” Taking shape and December/January 2016-2017 Looking Good! www.rosenbergtx.gov Our Government The City of Rosenberg operates in a Rosenberg Online Council-Manager form of government Rosenberg launched a new website on Monday, November 7, in which the City Council sets the 2016 at www.rosenbergtx.gov. The website can also be found policy and overall direction for the at www.cityofrosenberg.com City, and appoints a professional City “The City was in desperate need of a new website,” Manager and other key officials to Communications Manager Jenny Pavlovich said. “We have a oversee the City’s daily operations. ton of great information Online, but it is way too hard to find. The new Rosenberg site will make it much easier for visitors to City Council quickly get what they need.” Mayor: Cynthia A. McConathy The new look and feel of the website has built in redundancy, At Large 1: William T. Benton which means that users can find information in more than one spot, making it easier to track down precisely what they At Large 2: Amanda J. Barta are looking for. In addition, the site features a new responsive District 1: Jimmie J. Peña design that reconfigures the display to conform to any device District 2: Susan Euton RDC Celebrates Local Businesses such as a cell phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. District 3: Alice Jozwiak The new look and feel is the first step in what will be a large District 4: Lynn Moses n November 15, 2016, the Rosenberg Development overhaul project where staff will develop fresh content, OCorporation (RDC) said thank you to Rosenberg add more photos, and eventually tie in social media, Online Interim City Manager Businesses at its annual Business Appreciation newsletters, and emergency alert services. John Maresh Luncheon, held at the Rosenberg The site was designed and developed by Morningstar Media Civic Center. Guest Speaker Dr. Ted C. Jones Group from Sycamore, Illinois over the course of approximately Ted C. Jones, Vice President and 10 months. Meetings Chief Economist with Stewart Title Speaks at Luncheon “One of the things we noticed is that the old website was very Guaranty Company gave the crowd hard to navigate on your phone or tablet,” Darby Dwyer of City Council meets regularly in public Morningstar Media said. “We incorporated responsive design session the first, third, and fourth a regional economic overview, Dr. Ted C. Jones is the Chief Economist and discussing some of the ways that Vice President of Stewart Title Guaranty into the development of your site so users don’t lose valuable Tuesday of each month. Check the information, no matter what platform they are on.” website for times, agendas, etc. Council outside influences affect the business Company. He spoke on behalf of the RDC economy. In addition, five business 91% of U.S. Adults own cell phones, 56% of which are meetings may also be viewed live on at the Business Appreciation Luncheon on smartphones, and 50% of Americans own a tablet. Increasingly, Comcast 16 or at: milestones were recognized for their November 15th, highlighting the economic longevity within the City. CRG Texas people are accessing websites, data, and apps on their www.rosenbergtx.gov/TV. factors that lead to job growth or decline and Environmental Services and Legacy phones and tablets more than a traditional desktop or laptop Ford were recognized for 10 years of citing that Fort Bend County has, overall, been computer. The new website will make it easier to navigate the City Mission service in Rosenberg. Health Delite was on a positive trajectory with above-average City’s data on multiple devices by prioritizing information so recognized for 20 years, OCuSOFT for Ron Ewer of Legacy Ford accepts award job creation. Jones offered economic insight users can find what they are looking for. Statement and provided a bright outlook for the future of “I think the new website is a huge step in the right direction,” 30 years, and Mellon Real Estate for 45 from Mayor Cynthia A. McConathy for 10 To anticipate community needs and years. The RDC partnered with Central local businesses. Pavlovich said. “The City is working hard to communicate deliver exceptional service; and to Fort Bend Chamber on the event. years of service in Rosenberg. better.” cultivate an enhanced quality of life “This annual [luncheon] is an through leadership, innovation, and event hosted by the Rosenberg Development Corporation cooperative partnerships. with the purpose being to simply thank our local businesses “You are in for continuing to do business in Rosenberg and for the jobs NUMBERS TO KNOW they are creating and the investment they are making in the good shape Animal Control community,” said Randall Malik, Economic Development [Rosenberg]. 832.595.3490 Director.

Citizen Relations Approximately 120 guests attended the luncheon, You should be

832.595.3301 catered by Ol’ Railroad Cafe, that included Mayor Cynthia A. McConathy, elected officials, City staff, and Barry Henry of proud. “ Customer Service - Utilities Friends of North Rosenberg, who gave the invocation. Local 832.595.3400 businesses and honored recipients joined Malik for the award Police Dispatch - Non-Emergency ceremony as well as for the guest speaker. 832.595.3700 “We are grateful for all that these businesses bring to the Republic Services - Solid Waste community,” Malik said. “We look forward to continuing the 713.726.7300 annual tradition of holding a luncheon as our way of saying Dr. Ted C. Jones, Guest Speaker thank you to businesses that support the City of Rosenberg.” Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « November/December 2016 Shop Online Safe! Nothing is more convenient than shopping Online for all of your holiday needs. Who needs the lines? Shopping from the comfort of your PJs may sound like the thing for you, follow these virtual shopping tips and protect yourself this holiday season. • Use trusted websites Holiday Safety Tips from RPD • Don’t give anyone your social security number or birthdate You’re making a list and checking it twice vulnerable to the possibility of being • Keep your virus protection software this holiday season. You’ve got gifts to buy robbed. It is also a good idea not to carry up to date and meals to cook; its easy to lose focus on several large packages at once for the • Check your bank statements your surroundings. The Rosenberg Police same reason. • Create good passwords and don’t Department has a few tips to remind you When you’re paying for items at any share them to stay safe and have a carefree holiday store, keep your debit card close to you. • Use retail provided apps this season. People can easily use their phone to snap “Like in real life, you should stay aware “The biggest problem we see during the a picture of the card without you ever when shopping Online. Scams exist, even holidays is theft, especially items inside knowing and use the numbers to make on mobile devices,” IT Director, Isaac vehicles,” Lieutenant Chad Pino said. their own purchases. Don’t flash large Badu said. “If a deal seems too good to “Always lock your doors and keep your amounts of cash when paying for your be true, it just may be!” important or expensive items out of view. items and be sure to keep your purse or Don’t invite a break-in by leaving stuff out bag closed using the fastener or zipper. in the open.” “If you see anything suspicious, or if In addition to keeping your car secure, you feel uncomfortable in a situation, be sure to carefully observe your you should contact the police or store surroundings. Don’t talk or text on your security guard,” Pino said. “There’s safety phone while walking through a parking in numbers so consider shopping with a lot or shopping because it leaves you friend. Be safe this holiday!” UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS Visit www.rosenbergtx.gov to confirm meetings and events, as well as public notices and meeting agendas. 12/02/2016 Rosenberg 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. IT Director Christmas Nights Downtown Isaac Badu says... 12/03/2016 Rosenberg 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Christmas Nights Downtown CHECK US OUT ON 12/06/2016 Regular City Council 7:00 p.m. at Twitter: Meeting Rosenberg City Hall @RbergTXGov 12/20/2016 Regular City Council 7:00 p.m. at Meeting Rosenberg City Hall Instagram: @RbergTXGov 12/23/2016 Christmas Eve City offices closed Holiday Publication Comments are welcome 12/26/2016 Christmas Day 7:00 p.m. at Email: Holiday Rosenberg City Hall [email protected] Phone: 1/03/2017 Regular City Council 7:00 p.m. at 832.595.3301 (ask for Communications) Meeting Rosenberg City Hall

Rosenberg Insider « www.rosenbergtx.gov « December/January 2016-2017